3.14 The A minor scale

In this chapter, you’ll learn how you can make the A minor scale by applying the sequence: whole - half - whole - whole - half - whole - whole, starting from A. You’ll also learn how to make the harmonic and melodic A minor scale. In the videos, I show how to play the A minor scale on the piano.

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1. The structure of the A minor scale

Every minor scale consists of the following sequence: whole - half - whole - whole - half - whole - whole. When you apply this sequence starting from A, you get the tones A B C D E F G A.

 

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Examples

Which tones will you get if you construct a minor scale, starting from A?

 

The A minor scale is comprised of the notes: A B C D E F G A.
The A minor scale has no sharps or flats.
This scale is also called the natural A minor scale.

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2. The A minor scale played on the piano

The A minor scale ascending and descending, played by the right hand over one and over two octaves.

 

The fingering of the A minor scale played with the right hand.

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The A minor scale ascending and descending, played by the left hand over one and over two octaves.

 

The fingering of the A minor scale played with the left hand.

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3. The structure of the harmonic A minor scale

In the harmonic minor scale, the seventh note is raised. When you apply this to the A minor scale, you get the tones A B C D E F G# A.

 

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Examples

In the harmonic A minor scale, G, the seventh note, is raised to become a G#.

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4. The harmonic A minor scale played on the piano

The harmonic A minor scale ascending and descending, played by the right hand over one and over two octaves.

 

The fingering of the harmonic A minor scale played with the right hand.

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The harmonic A minor scale ascending and descending, played by the left hand over one and over two octaves.

 

The fingering of the harmonic A minor scale played with the left hand.

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5. The structure of the melodic A minor scale

In the melodic minor scale, the sixth and the seventh notes are both raised. When you apply this to the A minor scale, you get the tones A B C D E F# G# A.

 

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Examples

In the melodic A minor scale, F and G, the sixth and the seventh notes, are both raised and become F# and G#.
Descending, the sixth and seventh tones of the melodic minor scale are often not raised, but played as the natural A minor scale.

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6. The melodic A minor scale played on the piano

The melodic A minor scale ascending, played by the right hand over one and over two octaves.

 

The fingering of the melodic A minor scale played with the right hand.

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The melodic A minor scale ascending, played by the left hand over one and over two octaves.

 

The fingering of the melodic A minor scale played with the left hand.

The A minor scale

• The A minor scale is comprised of the notes A B C D E F G A.
• The A minor scale has no sharps or flats.
• In the harmonic A minor scale, G, the seventh note, is raised to become a G#.
• In the melodic A minor scale, F and G, the sixth and the seventh notes, are both raised and become F# and G#.