5.16 The B minor scale

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

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1. The structure of the B minor scale

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

 

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Examples

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

 

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

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2. The B minor scale played on the piano

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

 

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

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

 

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

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3. The structure of the harmonic B minor scale

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

 

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Examples

In the harmonic B minor scale, A, the seventh note, is raised to become an A#.

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4. The harmonic B minor scale played on the piano

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

 

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

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

 

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

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5. The structure of the melodic B minor scale

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

 

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Examples

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

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6. The melodic B minor scale played on the piano

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

 

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

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

 

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

The B minor scale

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