Minor Scales

I hope everyone enjoyed the last blog post about the modes of the Major Scale. I want to dive deeper into modes, but first, I want to review other types of scales. Today I'm focusing on the minor scale. Actually, there are a few different types of minor scales. Some of them I have covered already and a couple of them are new.

Natural Minor (AKA Aeolian)

The Natural Minor, also known as the Aeolian Mode of the Major Scale consists of a b3, b6, and b7. The notes within this scale are consistent with the notes of the relative major scale. In this case, C Minor's relative major is Eb major. This scale has a corresponding chord: m7. This is the scale that can be used while playing a "6" (Nashville number system) in a song's chord progression.

Melodic Minor - Version 1 (Classical Version)

The Melodic Minor Scale has two versions. The Classical version and the Jazz version. Let's look at the Classical version first.

The Classical (Or traditional) version of the Melodic Minor uses different notes for ascending than descending. On the way up, only the 3rd note is flat. The rest of the scale is just like a major scale. On the way down, though, it's played like a Natural Minor scale, using the b7 and b6 as well as the b3.

Melodic Minor - Version 2 (Jazz Version)

The Jazz version (the easier one of the two) is played the with only a b3 with the rest of the scale played like the major scale both ascending and descending. This particular minor scale is important in jazz music because it has its own set of modes that are used heavily in modern jazz.

Harmonic Minor

The Harmonic Minor scale has a very pretty sound at the top end because of the b6, major 7 combination. This scale is very similar to the other two with just a small difference at the top end of the scale.

Honorable Mentions

There are other scales that are considered "Minor" in nature, but these are derivatives of other existing scales most of the time. Like Dorian, Phrygian, and Locrian, which are modes of the Major Scale.

Happy Practicing! As always, let me know of any questions or suggestions!