Understand

Minor Scales: Natural, Harmonic, Melodic

Three forms of the minor scale and when each is used.

Class codeWF6T

Natural minor

The plain minor scale, using exactly the notes of the key signature. It is the same as the 6th mode of the major scale.

A natural minor: A B C D E F G A

๐„ž
A natural minor

Harmonic minor

Raise the 7th to give a stronger pull home. This is where the dominant chord of a minor key gets its major quality.

A harmonic minor: A B C D E F G# A

๐„žโ™ฏ
A harmonic minor - listen to the raised 7th

Melodic minor

Raise the 6th and 7th going up, so the line sings smoothly; classical practice usually lowers both again coming down.

A melodic minor ascending: A B C D E F# G# A

๐„žโ™ฏโ™ฏ
A melodic minor going up

Try it

Test yourself