Fundamentals
Natural, Harmonic and Melodic Minor Scales Compared
Three minor scales, three different jobs. What each form changes, why composers switch between them, and how to hear the difference.
Natural minor
The minor scale with the pattern whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole, the same notes as its relative major.
Also called: natural minor scale, Aeolian mode
The natural minor scale is the minor scale built from the notes of its relative major, without alterations. Starting on A it gives A B C D E F G A, with the pattern whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole. Because its seventh degree lies a whole step below the tonic, the natural minor has no leading tone and a weaker pull toward the tonic than the major scale. Harmonic minor corrects this by raising the seventh degree. The natural minor is the same scale as the Aeolian mode, and the key signatures of minor keys are those of the natural minor.
The natural minor scale in every key
Related terms
- Minor scaleA family of seven-note scales with a minor third above the tonic, existing in natural, harmonic and melodic forms.
- Harmonic minorA minor scale with the seventh degree raised by a semitone, giving a leading tone a half step below the tonic.
- Relative keyThe major or minor key that shares the same key signature, with its tonic a minor third above or below.
- SubtonicThe seventh degree when it sits a whole step below the tonic, as in the natural minor scale and the Mixolydian mode.
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Fundamentals
Church Modes From Dorian to Locrian: A Practical Guide
Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian and Locrian explained by pattern and color, with hearing tips and modern uses.