The Minor Scale
The other heptatonic scale used in Common Practice music is called the
Minor
Scale
8
. It is arranged as follows:
ˆ
ˆ
ˆ
ˆ
ˆ
ˆ
ˆ
ˆ
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
W
H
W
W
H
W
W
Figure 3.6
The Minor Scale
Audio 4
The Minor Scale
For this example, the pitches are identical to the Major scale example above, re-
arranged from scale degree six.
Figure 3.7 "Minor Scales on a; on c; Major Scale on
shows the same Minor scale pattern, but constructed from the same starting
pitch. Both are then compared to the Major scale.
Figure 3.7
Minor Scales on a; on c; Major Scale on C
As with major scales, minor scales use accidentals to retain the same “shape” when
starting on differing pitches.
8. A heptatonic scale having three
distinct forms, Natural,
Harmonic, and Melodic Minor.
Chapter 3 The Foundations Scale-Steps and Scales
3.2 Heptatonic Scales: The Major Scale, The Three Forms of the Minor Scale
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