If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of minor scales, you’ve come to the right place! In our previous article, “Relative and Parallel Minor,” we explored the sometimes confusing terminology surrounding minor scales. Now, let’s dive into the natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales—understanding their differences, how to construct them, and why they matter in music.
Many students find it easiest to start with a major scale and use it as a reference point. We will do the same here by beginning with the F major scale.
As you can see in the scale above, each note of the major scale is given a number (a scale degree) which represents its placement or order within the scale.
The Three Forms of Minor Scales
Minor scales come in three main forms: natural, harmonic, and melodic. These are all variations of a minor scale with subtle but important differences.
Natural minor
In order to create a natural minor scale, we simply start with the major scale and lower the 3rd, 6th, and 7th scale degrees by a half-step. In our example above using the F major scale, this means we will be lowering the A (the 3rd) to Ab, the D (the 6th) to Db, and the E (the 7th) to Eb.
The natural minor scale is related to a major scale because it shares the same key signature as a major scale. Looking at our newly created F natural minor scale, we can see that we have 4 flats in the scale, and so the key signature would read Bb, Eb, Ab, and Db. This is the same key signature as the key of Ab major. For this reason we can say that F natural minor is the relative minor of Ab major. (And remember that when in a major key, the relative minor scale can be constructed simply by using the same pitches but treating the 6th scale degree as the starting note).
Harmonic Minor
The harmonic minor scale differs from the natural minor scale in only one way – the 7th scale degree is raised by half-step. In other words, in a natural minor scale the 7th scale degree is a minor 7th, whereas in a harmonic minor scale the 7th scale degree is a major 7th (and will be a half-step away from the root of the scale). When the 7th degree of any scale is a half-step away from the root it is called a leading tone, and so the important difference between the natural and harmonic minor scale is that one has a leading tone while the other does not.
Melodic Minor
The melodic minor is a bit… weird. In the traditional sense, melodic minor has an ascending form and a descending form, meaning that the notes in the scale changed based on whether you are playing up the scale or down the scale. In practical music performance circles (especially in the jazz world) the melodic minor scale is the same whether ascending or descending.
First the traditional approach: When playing the ascending form of the melodic minor scale, only the 3rd scale degree is lowered by half-step. The scale is the same as the major scale with the exception of the lowered 3rd.
When descending, the scale reverts to the natural minor form.
In jazz circles for example, the melodic minor scale uses the ascending form regardless of which direction one is playing the scale.
Why Learn These Minor Scales?
Understanding and practicing these three minor scales is essential for musicians because they appear frequently in compositions across different genres. Here’s why they matter:
- Natural minor is commonly used in melodies and harmonies that convey a more somber or introspective mood.
- Harmonic minor is key for creating a strong leading tone, making it popular in classical, flamenco, and jazz music.
- Melodic minor offers smooth motion in melodies and is widely used in jazz and contemporary music for improvisation.
By mastering these scales, you’ll not only improve your technical skills but also gain a deeper understanding of how music is structured and how melodies flow.
Final Thoughts
Learning natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales might seem overwhelming at first, but taking the time to practice them systematically will significantly enhance your playing and musicality. Try playing these scales in different keys, incorporating them into your improvisations, and listening to pieces that feature them prominently.
Want to take your minor scale mastery to the next level? Join us for lessons and live coaching at JazzEdge Academy!
