Theory Threads

Major & Minor Modes

The MINOR Scale(s)

Unlike the major scale, there are three (3) forms of minor scales. (Why? I don't know. You should look this up.) The three forms are called natural minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor. Each minor scale form has a different combination of whole and half steps to give it its characteristic sound.

Let's put this in perspective for a minute. Remember C major? No sharps, no flats, but all fun.

If you looked at C major's whole and half steps, it would be the pattern: WWHWWWH.

Now, let's look at C natural minor:

If you looked at C natural minor's whole and half steps, it would be the pattern: WHWWHWW. Different than C major, right?

Simply, take the major scale and lower the 3rd, 6th, and 7th notes (called scale degrees in music) to get the natural minor scale.

Next, let's look at C harmonic minor:

The pattern here would be: WHWWH?H. Wait, what just happened? The ? is not a whole OR a half step. Hmmm...

All you have to do is take the natural minor scale and raise the 7th note, um, scale degree.

Formula

Harmonic Minor = natural minor with #7

Finally, let's look at C melodic minor:

This one is like your moody friend. One minute (when it's going up) it's in a good mood and then, before you know it, it has a different mood (when it's going down). In short, you raise the 6th and 7th notes of the natural minor scale going up (ascending) and go back to a normal natural minor scale coming down (descending).

Formula

Melodic Minor = natural minor with #6, #7 going up; 100% natural minor coming down

Which version(s) do you think you hear more of in everyday music?

Why It Matters

Honestly, to the everyday listener, it doesn't matter. Music just sounds a certain way and cultivates different feelings for the consumer/listener. For those who create or perform music though, the difference is massive, especially when it comes to building chords.

For now, let's just say that there are many different ways to put together whole and half steps to create scales in different modes. I like to think of them as patterns of different sized LEGO bricks. How many patterns can you make given only two sizes of bricks: the 1x1 brick (a half step) and a 1x2 brick (a whole step)?

Naturally, someone took "my" idea and applied it to the piano keyboard...

Listen Up

So, your brain is probably pretty full of terminology right now. Let's pause and do a bit of listening.

Familiar Songs in

Major Keys

Familiar Songs in

Minor Keys

"O-H"...."N-O"

Modes

Matter!

Buckle Up!

1) Use A Piano To Create A Minor Scale:

Click the logo to the right to use an online digital piano. Using this virtual piano, explore the sound of the C minor scales:

Natural Minor: C - D - Eb -F - G - Ab - Bb - C

Harmonic Minor: C - D - Eb -F - G - Ab - B - C

Melodic Minor: C - D - Eb -F - G - A - B - C going up, then C - Bb - Ab -G - F - Eb - D - C going down

2) DIY: Click on the logo to the left to open Noteflight and create three (3) minor scales starting on the following pitches:

C natural minor

A natural minor

D harmonic minor

Bonus: G melodic minor

First, use the key signature for the respective scale. Then, go back and change the key signature to C major -- no sharps or flats -- and add sharps and flats (accidentals) to create the same scales.

Finally, use the "Lyric/Text" tool to add the "W" for whole steps and "H" for half steps to each scale in Noteflight.

Raise your hand and show me when you are done or share your work with mschatt@independence.k12.oh.us using the "Share" feature in Noteflight.

3) Explore: Click on the logo to the right side to open BandLab. When you open the "Mix Editor," limit your loops by scale (major and minor). Create a short song starting by using major scale loops and then shift/pivot to minor scale loops.

A tutorial video is available below the BandLab logo if you would like more information on how to use BandLab.

4) Let's Review: Click this link for one final refresher of minor scales.

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