I.
Minor Scales (3 forms):
a. Natural
Minor – This is derived from starting on the 6th step of a major
scale and using the major scale pitch collection with no alterations,
consequently the name “natural”.
If you have an A Major scale: A,
B, C#, D, E, F#, G#, A you would derive
the natural minor scale by starting on the 6th scale degree which in
this case is F#. Your F# natural minor scale would then be F#, G#, A,
B, C#, D, E, F#.
b. Harmonic Minor – This is the natural minor scale with
the 7th step raised by one half step. The F# harmonic minor scale would be : F#,
G#, A, B, C#, D, E#, F#. The seventh step (E) has been raised one half step to E#.
c. Melodic
Minor – This is the natural minor scale with the 6th and 7th
steps raised while ascending and lowered back to their natural form while
descending. The F# melodic minor scale is: (ascending) F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#, E#, F#. When descending it would be: F#, E, D, C#, B,
A, G#, F#.
II.
Relative Minor or Relative Major
A minor and major scale are
relative to each other if they share the
same key signature. Relative is not a type of key signature. It is only a
condition that exists when two scales (one minor and one major) share the same
key signature. A Major and F# minor are relative to each other because they share
the same key signature of 3 sharps (F#, C#, and G#).
