Week 5: Minor Scales
There are three types of minor scale; they are used in different contexts. 1. Natural: The natural minor scale follows this sequence of steps: W, H, W, W, H, W, W W = Whole step H = Half step The natural minor can also be represented by the notation: 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7 8 2. Harmonic: In the harmonic minor scale the seventh degree is raised by a semitone, which is written as an accidental rather than included in the key signature. This raised 7th remains in place both ascending and descending. The raised 7th creates a sense of leading to the tonic. This is a useful property when used in harmony , hence the name. The natural minor scale follows this sequence of steps: W, H, W, W, H, WH, H W = Whole step H = Half step WH = Whole-and-a-half step The harmonic minor can also be represented by the notation: 1 2 ♭ 3 4 5 ♭ 6 7 8 3. Melodic: The melodic minor scale is more suitable for melodic writing. If you try to sing a harmonic minor scale, you will notice t