3.14 The A minor scale
| Category: Harmony | Tags: Minor scales |
Theory
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.
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.
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.
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.
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#.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Summary
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#.