Minor Keys
Just as major scales are used as the basis for music written in major keys, so minor scales are used for music in minor keys. Although you may not be able to determine which variation of the minor scale is being used (natural, harmonic or melodic), the overall sound of a minor key is distinctively different from the major key. The following 3 pieces are all in the key of A minor.
Be careful of your timing, particularly in the bars which involve eighth note rests (e.g., bar 4).
In bar 2, hold the notes down after you play them, using the fingering indicated. You should also allow the E and D# notes in bar 1 to sound together, creating the distinctive, haunting melody. The fermata ?, used in bar 12, indicates that the note (E) may be held to the player’s own discretion (i.e., you may hold it for longer than the designated 4 counts).
This is an excellent study for developing right hand accuracy in picking different strings. Play slowly and evenly at first, gradually building up speed. Use the pick motion as indicated.
