4.14 The E minor scale

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

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1. The structure of the E minor scale

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

 

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Examples

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

 

The E minor scale is comprised of the notes: E F# G A B C D E.
The E minor scale has one sharp: F sharp.
This scale is also called the natural E minor scale.

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2. The E minor scale played on the piano

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

 

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

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

 

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

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3. The structure of the harmonic E minor scale

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

 

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Examples

In the harmonic E minor scale, D, the seventh note, is raised to become a D#.

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4. The harmonic E minor scale played on the piano

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

 

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

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

 

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

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5. The structure of the melodic E minor scale

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

 

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Examples

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

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6. The melodic E minor scale played on the piano

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

 

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

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

 

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

The E minor scale

• The E minor scale is comprised of the notes E F# G A B C D E.
• The E minor scale has one sharp: F sharp.
• In the harmonic E minor scale, D, the seventh note, is raised to become a D#.
• In the melodic E minor scale, C and D, the sixth and the seventh notes, are both raised and become C# and D#.