Learning Minor Scales in all Keys

Lesson 3/76 | Study Time: 5 Min

Course: Beginner Music Theory

Learning Minor Scales in all Keys

By following the formula for each type of minor scale, either by scale degrees or the pattern of tones and semitones, it is possible to create any of the minor scales from any starting note.

E.g. if you know that the natural minor scale contains flattened 3rd, 6th and 7th degrees and you start with the note C, you would come up with the following notes:

If you know that the harmonic minor scale contains flattened 3rd, and 6th degrees, but a natural 7th degree, all you have to do to change the natural minor to the harmonic minor is sharpen the 7th degree by a semitone. Once again if you start with the note C, you would come up with the following notes:

To change the harmonic minor to an ascending melodic minor you need to sharpen the 6th degree by a semitone. Starting with the note C, you would come up with the following notes:

The Classical form of the descending melodic minor is identical to the natural minor. To become familiar with the notes of minor scales in all keys, it is important to write out the three types of minor scales starting on each of the 12 notes of the chromatic scale.

The following examples demonstrate melodies created from the three types of minor scales.

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Class Sessions

1- Dotted Notes 2- Tones and Semitones 3- The Major Scale 4- Dynamics 5- Keys and Key Signatures 6- Transposing 7- Sixteenth Notes 8- Leger Lines 9- Simple and Compound Time 10- Intervals 11- Chords 12- INTRODUCTION 13- Note Values 14- GLOSSARY OF MUSICAL TERMS 15- Chord Inversions 16- How to Read Music 17- LESSON TWO 18- Minor Keys and Scales 19- Accidentals 20- Sharps 21- The Octave 22- Learning Minor Scales in all Keys 23- The Key Cycle 24- Chord Construction–Triads 25- G Major Chord Inversions 26- Exercises 27- Six Eight Time 28- Using the Compact Disc 29- Interval Qualities 30- Notes on the Treble Staff 31- Exercises 32- Grouping Eighth Notes 33- Volume Changes 34- Exercises 35- Bar Lines 36- Double Sharps and Double Flats 37- The Lead-in 38- Enharmonic Notes 39- Grouping Notes in Compound Time 40- Interval Distances 41- Time Signatures 42- Grouping Notes and Rests 43- The Grand Staff 44- Exercises 45- Exercises 46- Relative Keys 47- Approach to Practice 48- Major Scales in all Keys 49- Tempo Markings 50- The Chromatic Scale 51- Scale Degrees 52- Tempo Changes 53- Slurs 54- Final Exercises 55- Flats 56- Arpeggios 57- Chord Symbols 58- C Major Scale Over Four Octaves 59- Exercises 60- Rests 61- Exercises 62- Exercises 63- Staccato 64- Exercises 65- Exercises 66- Twelve Eight Time 67- Major Scale Pattern 68- Identifying Intervals by Ear 69- Exercises 70- Exercises 71- The G Major Scale 72- Ties 73- Exercises 74- The F Major Scale 75- Other Major Scales 76- Exercises

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Learning Minor Scales in all Keys