Minor Keys And Scales
Our discussion of major scales revealed that each key is based on a scale of the same name and that the key features the scale notes predominantly, e.g.
the key of F major features the notes F, G, A, Bb, C, D and E. Many songs, however, are written in a minor key, which involves the use of minor scales. For each minor key, three minor scales exist. These three minor scales are outlined here, using the key of A minor as an example:
Key of A Minor
A minor Melodic – 6th and 7th notes sharpened when ascending and returned to natural when descending.
If you compare the A natural minor scale with the C major scale you will notice that they contain the same notes (except starting on a different note). Because of this, these two scales are referred to as being "relatives"; A minor is the relative minor of C major and vice versa.
For every major scale (and every major chord) there is a relative minor, as listed in the following table. On the guitar, relative minor chords can be located 3 frets down from the major chord. E.g., C major root 6 bar chord - 8th fret; A minor root 6 bar chord - 5th fret.
The major key and its relative minor both share the same key signature, e.g., a key signature of F sharp could indicate either the key of G major, or the key of E minor. To determine the correct key, you can:
- a) Look for the 7th note of the minor scale. This is the only note of a minor scale (except the "pure" minor) which is not found in its relative major. E.g., a D# note in the melody will strongly suggest the key of E minor rather than G major.
- b) Look at the finishing note of the piece, because a song very often finishes on its root note. E.g., a song finishing on a G note would suggest the key of G major. (Quite often the beginning and ending chords will also indicate the key in the same manner).
These are guidelines only and should not be taken as strict rules.
