Minor scale

A minor scale is a specific sequence of musical notes. It is defined by having its third scale degree located a minor third above the tonic. The tonic is the starting note of the scale. A common example is the A minor scale. This scale uses the notes A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.

Musicians use these scales to create specific harmonies. These harmonies often sound different from those found in a major scale. In A minor, the tonic chord consists of A, C, and E. The subdominant and dominant chords are also minor. This scale is considered a relative of the C major scale. The major scale sits exactly a third above its relative minor.

The most basic version is the natural minor scale. This is also known as the Aeolian mode. It follows a pattern of two semitones and five whole tones. On a piano, the A natural minor scale uses only the white keys.

Starting in the 17th century, the natural and major scales became the two dominant modes of tonal music. However, composers faced a specific challenge with the natural minor scale. It lacked a leading tone. A leading tone is a note that helps a musical phrase feel complete. Without it, creating a satisfactory cadence, or musical ending, was difficult. The term "natural minor" did not become common until the twentieth century.

To solve the problem of the missing leading tone, musicians developed the harmonic minor scale. This version restores the leading tone to the sequence. This change creates an augmented second between the sixth and seventh scale degrees. An augmented second is a wide interval that can sound musically awkward. Because of this interval, the scale prompted further refinements. The harmonic minor scale is very common in classical music. For example, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart used it in his Piano Sonata No. 16.

Ludwig van Beethoven also used the upper tetrachord of this scale. He used it to create chromaticism in his work titled Grosse Fuge.

The harmonic minor scale appears in many different styles of music. Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov called it the "basis of harmony." It is used in spirituals like "Go Down Moses" and "Soon I Will Be Done." Even church bells use it. At Worcester Cathedral, the bells play a descending minor scale on solemn days like Good Friday. In modern music, guitarists like Yngwie Malmsteen use it to expand guitar solos. Heavy metal guitarists often use it to create a Phrygian flavor. There are also specialized versions of this scale. The Hungarian minor scale has a raised fourth degree. The Neapolitan minor scale has a lowered second scale degree.

Because the augmented second in the harmonic minor scale was difficult to use, the melodic minor scale was created. This scale changes depending on the direction of the melody. When playing upwards, the sixth and seventh scale degrees are raised. This makes the ascending part sound like a major scale. The only lowered note is the third. This helps with voice leading, which is how notes move smoothly.

When playing downwards, the sixth and seventh degrees are lowered. They return to the positions found in the natural minor scale. This version is sometimes called the "jazz minor scale." Elton John used this scale in "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word."

Using the melodic minor scale requires many accidentals. An accidental is a symbol that changes a note. Because these changes happen so often, they are often viewed as diatonic. This means they are treated as a natural part of the scale. The constant raising and lowering of notes allows for smooth musical movement. This complexity provides musicians with more expressive tools. It bridges the gap between the natural minor and the major scale structures. This versatility is why it remains a staple in many genres.

Many other musical structures are also considered minor. Any scale with a minor third or a minor tonic triad can be called minor. Some modes, such as the Dorian and Phrygian modes, are examples of minor scales. Even gapped scales can be considered minor. A pentatonic scale, which uses only five notes, can appear in a minor guise. These different variations allow for a vast range of musical expression. From classical sonatas to heavy metal, the minor scale remains a fundamental building block of music.