The minor scales are explained in this music theory video.

To access the full list of minor keys and the composing task mentioned in this video visit [ Ссылка ]

The natural minor scale, harmonic minor scale and melodic minor scale are all discussed and explained. Examples of each of the scales are given using the D minor scale.

The natural minor scale follows the key signature on both the ascending and descending parts of the scale. It is the easiest scale to remember and has a gentle, modal-like quality to its sound. The improvised example demonstrates this. However, the scale lacks a strong “pull” towards the tonic note in order to establish the key.

The harmonic minor scale establishes this missing strong sense of key by the fact that it has a raised 7th note (also known as the leading note). The key signature is the same as the natural minor scale, but the 7th note is sharpened by means of an added accidental. In the case of D minor, the 7th note is a C natural and so this becomes a C sharp for the harmonic minor scale. The improvised example composition in the harmonic minor demonstrates how the leading note “pulls” the tonality of the music towards the tonic and so clearly establishes the key.

The melodic minor is the most complicated of the 3 minor scales. On the ascending scale, it has a raised 6th note and 7th note which gives a very strong pull towards the tonic note. However, on the descending scale the melodic minor reverts back to the natural minor scale. Once again, an improvised example is played that shows the added harmonic interest that the melodic minor brings.

There is also a performing task and a composition task for students to have a go at to reinforce their understanding of the minor scales.

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