Minor Key Scale Tone Triads
Each major scale has a relative minor scale. To create the relative minor, you start on the 6th degree of the major scale and use the tone/semitone pattern above to create the related minor scale.
The following example shows the scale tone triads for the key of A minor, the chords derived from the natural minor scale. As you can see, the chords are exactly the same as those contained in the key of C major. The only difference is the starting and finishing point – because the minor scale starts on A, A minor will now be chord 1 instead of chord 6.
Here is a short melody harmonized with chords from the A natural minor scale.
Fingerpicking Pattern 2
This melody is derived from the notes of the A natural minor scale and is therefore in the key of A minor. Notice that this melody sounds "sadder" than most major key melodies. The accompaniment to this song is a two bar fingerpicking part. The first bar is a new pattern and the second bar is Pattern 3 which you learned on page 23. The full accompaniment is on the facing page.
Here is the accompaniment part. Take it slowly at first until you can play the whole thing clearly and evenly, then play it along with the CD. You could also record yourself playing the accompaniment and then play the melody over it. Take care with the final beat of bar 16. These notes are played with the 3rd and 4th fingers at the 5th fret on the first and third strings. The 3rd finger will already be on the third string as part of the A minor chord, so you simply slide it up from the 2nd fret.
