🎶 Introduction to Minor Scales
In music theory, minor scales are essential for expressing a variety of moods—often darker, more emotional, or complex than their major counterparts. In AP Music Theory, you’ll encounter three types of minor scales:
- Natural Minor
- Harmonic Minor
- Melodic Minor
Each has its own structure, sound, and function. Mastering them is crucial for analysis, composition, and aural skills on the exam.
🎵 1. Natural Minor Scale
📘 Definition:
The natural minor scale follows a specific pattern of whole steps (W) and half steps (H): W – H – W – W – H – W – W
🎼 Example (A Natural Minor):
A – B – C – D – E – F – G – A
(Same key signature as C Major—no sharps or flats)
🔍 Key Characteristics:
- Contains no altered notes (compared to its major relative)
- Also called the Aeolian mode
- Used in folk, classical, and modern genres
🎵 2. Harmonic Minor Scale
📘 Definition:
The harmonic minor scale is the same as the natural minor but with a raised 7th degree.
🎼 Example (A Harmonic Minor):
A – B – C – D – E – F – G♯ – A
🔍 Key Characteristics:
- Introduces a leading tone (G♯) that pulls back to tonic
- Creates a 1.5 step (augmented second) between 6 and 7 (F – G♯)
- Used frequently in classical music, especially in minor key cadences
🎵 3. Melodic Minor Scale
📘 Definition:
The melodic minor scale raises both the 6th and 7th degrees ascending but returns to natural minor descending.
🎼 Example (A Melodic Minor):
- Ascending: A – B – C – D – E – F♯ – G♯ – A
- Descending: A – G – F – E – D – C – B – A
🔍 Key Characteristics:
- Smooths out the augmented second in harmonic minor
- Often used in vocal music and melodic writing
- Creates a hybrid scale with both major and minor tendencies
🎯 Comparing the Three Minor Scales
| Scale Type | Notes (A Minor) | Altered Degrees |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Minor | A B C D E F G A | None |
| Harmonic Minor | A B C D E F G♯ A | Raised 7th |
| Melodic Minor | A B C D E F♯ G♯ A (asc), natural desc | Raised 6th & 7th (asc only) |
🧠 Tips for AP Music Theory Students
- Recognize scale forms in listening and dictation exercises.
- Practice writing all three minor scales in all keys.
- Pay attention to voice leading and harmony—especially the role of the raised 7th in harmonic minor.
- Understand scale degree names (e.g., submediant, leading tone).
- Be ready to identify and analyze melodic minor motion in both ascending and descending lines.
🎧 Ear Training for Minor Scales
🎵 Try singing:
- Natural minor: Feels stable, slightly melancholic.
- Harmonic minor: Exotic or classical feel due to augmented second.
- Melodic minor: Smooth and lyrical ascending, darker descending.
📚 Resources
- musictheory.net Scales Trainer
- TonedEar.com Ear Training
- Flashcards & practice sheets (optional PDF version available)
🎓 Final Thoughts
Understanding minor scales—natural, harmonic, and melodic—is a cornerstone of AP Music Theory. These forms not only appear in exercises and exams, but also in nearly every style of music. By recognizing their unique patterns and applications, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the richness of music and perform stronger on the AP test.
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