The three minor scales – free music theory course

If the major scale suggests light, the minor scale suggests shadow, melancholy, mystery or drama. Its main feature: a minor third between the tonic and degree III (A-C instead of A-C♯). But there are three versions of the minor scale, each with a specific job.

1. Natural minor

These are the notes of the relative major scale, starting from its 6th degree: A B C D E F G A. Formula: W – H – W – W – H – W – W.

M:4/4
L:1/4
Q:1/4=90
K:C
A B c d | e f g a |]

Its 7th degree lies a whole step below the tonic: no leading tone, hence a soft, modal, ancient colour (lots of folk and pop music).

2. Harmonic minor

To restore the pull of a leading tone, we raise the 7th degree: G → G♯. This is the scale that supplies the chords of a minor key (hence its name).

M:4/4
L:1/4
Q:1/4=90
K:C
A B c d | e f ^g a |]

Side effect: between F and G♯ an augmented second appears (3 half steps), giving an instantly recognisable "exotic" flavour.

3. Melodic minor

To sing a melody without that odd leap, we also raise the 6th degree on the way up (F♯, G♯). On the way down the leading tone is no longer needed, so we return to natural minor.

M:4/4
L:1/4
Q:1/4=90
K:C
A B c d | e ^f ^g a | a =g =f e | d c B A |]

What about jazz? Jazz musicians use the melodic minor both ways ("jazz minor"). It is the source of many modern colours explored in part two of the course.

One key, three scales

In a piece in A minor the composer moves freely between them depending on context: G♯ near the tonic (cadences), G natural in a falling line, F♯ in a rise towards A. The key signature is always that of natural minor (here: none); G♯ and F♯ are written as accidentals.

To hear the difference: listen to Greensleeves (minor, with G♯ at cadences), then play the harmonic minor scale slowly: feel the F-G♯ "rub". In the site's ear-training exercise, practise telling major from minor.

Common mistake: putting the leading tone in the key signature ("A minor has G♯ in the signature"). No: A minor's signature is empty; the leading tone is always added as an accidental.