Overview
In this module, we will continue our study of minor scales by exploring two important variations of minor scales: harmonic minor and melodic minor. While the version of minor we have studied so far provides the foundation, composers often adjust certain notes of the scale. You will learn how harmonic and melodic minor are formed, why these alterations are made, and how each form functions in real musical practice.
Objectives
By the end of this module you should be able to:
- Construct harmonic minor scales by raising the 7th scale degree of a natural minor scale.
- Construct melodic minor scales by raising the 6th and 7th scale degrees when ascending and returning to natural minor when descending.
Key Terms
- Natural (Pure) Minor
- The most basic form of the minor scale, built using the pattern whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step. It is sometimes called pure minor because it contains no altered notes.
- Harmonic Minor
- A variation of the natural minor scale created by raising the 7th scale degree. This creates a stronger pull back to the tonic and is commonly used in harmonic progressions.
- Melodic Minor
- A variation of the minor scale in which the 6th and 7th scale degrees are raised when ascending and typically return to natural minor form when descending.
- Scale Degree
- The numerical position of a note within a scale, counted upward from the tonic. For example, in C major, D is the 2nd scale degree and G is the 5th scale degree.
- Tonic
- The first note of a scale and the tonal center or “home” note of a key.
- Leading Tone
- The 7th scale degree when it is one half step below the tonic, creating a strong pull toward the tonic.
- Double Sharp
- An accidental that raises a note by two half steps. It is written with the symbol 𝄪.
- Natural
- An accidental that cancels a sharp or flat, returning a note to its natural pitch. It is written with the symbol ♮.