In Western music there are three different minor scales. These are the pure minor, the harmonic minor and the melodic minor. Each features a slightly different sequence of tones and semitones, as illustrated in the examples below using A as the tonic.
A Minor, Pure Scale
A Minor, Harmonic •VII Note sharpened (called the Leading Note)
one Octave, a Melodic Minor Scale • VI and VII notes sharpened when ascending and returned to natural when descending.
Of the three minor scales outlined on the previous page, the melodic minor is the most commonly used. All minor scales are listed on the chart below