Minor Scales and Minor Keys

Lesson 4

September 21st, 2020

Lesson 4

Lecture notes:
  • To find the relative minor of a major scale, you would count up a major 6th from the tonic note. For example, C major. (C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C). Therefore, A would be the relative minor to C major.
  • To find the relative major of a minor scale, you would count up a minor 3rd from the tonic note. For example, A minor. (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A). C would be the relative major to A minor.
  • Relative major and minor scales share the same key signature, also known as relative keys.
  • There are three different types of minor scales; natural, harmonic, and melodic.
  • The natural minor shares the same key signature and accidentals as its relative major. 
  • The harmonic minor shares the same key signature as its relative major. With the addition of raising the seventh degree. 
  • The melodic minor shares the same key signature as its relative major. With the addition of raising the sixth and seventh degrees while ascending and lowering the sixth and seventh degrees while descending.

This picture shows how the three different minor scales are constructed using the whole and half step patterns.


The picture above shows the center circle's minor keys with the relative major keys in the outer circle.


The video above shows how to find relative minor scales and construct and play all three minor scales.


The video above shows how to identify major and minor key signatures. This is done by showing the relative keys.


The above picture is a scale that I will perform for you. The scale includes the minor scale's natural, harmonic, and melodic forms.


This is a video of me playing the A minor scale in the natural, harmonic, and melodic form at 80bpm.


This is a bonus video of me playing In a Sentimental Mood in D minor.


Above is the chart music for In a Sentimental Mood in D minor.

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