m-A MINOR1

Traditionally, there are 3 different forms of minor scales.

In all of the minor scale variations, the first 5 steps remain the same.

The step that differentiates the minor mode from the major mode is the 3^rd step of the scale. This very important step of the minor scale is one half-step lower than the 3^rd step of a major scale.

Some musicians view the minor, as an emotional or sad mode. I picture the minor mode expressing soulful and dramatic qualities.

The step that differentiates the minor mode from the major mode is the 3^rd step of the scale. This very important step of the minor scale is one half-step lower than the 3^rd step of a major scale.

You already learned the Natural Minor scale. Everyone has experienced the role of the 7^th step of the scale as a leading tone when exploring music in major keys.

Leading tones direct scale notes back to the home note, the tonic. While employing the minor mode, composers often wish to include the power of the leading tone. By raising the 7^th step of a natural minor scale, a leading tone is created.

In the key of A Minor, the leading tone pitch is G#.

Let’s compare the natural and harmonic minor scales built on A.