- Understand natural minor scale construction
- Master harmonic minor and its raised 7th degree
- Learn minor key signatures and relative major/minor relationships
- Play repertoire in minor keys with appropriate affect
Introduction
So far, most of your repertoire has been in major keys. Minor keys offer a different emotional palette—often described as darker, more serious, or melancholic. Understanding minor scales is essential for Baroque music, where minor keys are used extensively.
The Three Forms of Minor
Unlike major scales (which have one standard form), minor scales have THREE forms, each used in different musical contexts:
- Natural minor - The "pure" minor scale
- Harmonic minor - Raised 7th degree (leading tone)
- Melodic minor - Raised 6th and 7th ascending, natural descending (covered in Lesson 47)
Relative Major and Minor
Every major key has a relative minor that shares the same key signature:
| Major Key | Key Signature | Relative Minor |
|---|---|---|
| C major | No sharps or flats | A minor |
| G major | F# | E minor |
| D major | F#, C# | B minor |
| F major | Bb | D minor |
Pattern: The relative minor starts on the 6th degree of the major scale. (C major → count up 6 notes → A minor)
Natural Minor Scale
Natural minor is built from the 6th degree of its relative major, using the same notes but starting from a different tonic.
No accidentals—same notes as C major, but starting on A:
Interval pattern: W-H-W-W-H-W-W (whole-half-whole-whole-half-whole-whole)
The Problem with Natural Minor
Natural minor lacks a strong leading tone—the note that pulls up to the tonic. In A minor, the 7th degree (G) is a whole step below the tonic (A), not a half step. This weakens cadences.
Harmonic Minor Scale
Harmonic minor solves this by raising the 7th degree by a half step. In A minor, G becomes G#.
Notice the raised 7th (G#) creates a strong leading tone:
Interval pattern: W-H-W-W-H-W½-H (note the augmented 2nd between F and G#!)
The Augmented 2nd
The interval between the 6th and 7th degrees in harmonic minor (F to G# in A minor) is an augmented 2nd—three half steps. This gives harmonic minor its distinctive, exotic sound.
When to Use Each Minor Form
- Natural minor: In passages moving away from the tonic, or in modal/folk music
- Harmonic minor: At cadences and when approaching the tonic (the raised 7th provides a strong resolution)
- Melodic minor: In ascending melodic lines (smooths out the augmented 2nd)
In practice, composers mix these forms freely within the same piece!
Minor Key Signatures
Key signature: one flat (Bb). Same as F major!
Add C# (accidental, not in key signature):
The C# is written as an accidental in the music, not in the key signature.
Baroque Minor Key Affect
In Baroque music theory, minor keys had specific affects (emotional characters):
- D minor: Serious, pensive (often used by Bach)
- G minor: Elegant sadness (Handel's favorite minor key)
- B minor: Lonely, solemn
- A minor: Tender melancholy
When playing in minor keys, embrace these darker emotions!
Practice Exercises
Relative to G major (one sharp: F#):
Raise the 7th degree (D becomes D#):
Relative to D major (two sharps: F#, C#):
Raise the 7th degree (A becomes A#):
Minor Key Cadence Formula
Notice the raised 7th (G#) in the final cadence:
The G# → A resolution is the hallmark of harmonic minor cadences.
Practice Routine (25 minutes daily)
- Natural minor scales (A, E, B, D minor) - 8 minutes
- Harmonic minor scales (same keys) - 8 minutes
- Minor key arpeggios - 4 minutes
- Play minor key melodies (folk songs, Baroque pieces) - 5 minutes