![]() ![]() The differences are all based on the approach to the tonic, or starting pitch, of the scale. While there is only one heptatonic (meaning seven tones) major scale, there are three different heptatonic minor scales. The A Natural Minor scale, with the intervals between each pitch notated as a W (whole-step) or h (half-step).įollowing the same pattern, the relative minor of D Major is B Minor: B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A, B. The natural minor scale starting on A is just a C Major scale with a different starting pitch: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A. The minor key area related to a major key in this way is known as the relative minor of the major key you’re using to find it.įor example, the relative minor of C Major is A Minor. To build the natural minor scale, you take the major scale formula but start it on the sixth scale degree (for more on the major scale, check out our article here).īecause of this relationship between major and minor, you can take any major scale and start it on the sixth scale degree of the scale in order to find a natural minor scale. ![]() Whole-step, half-step, whole-step, whole-step, half-step, whole-step, whole-step. The intervals separating the seven scale degrees of the natural minor scale follow the pattern: ![]() Each of the minor scales contains the same first five scale degrees, which only leaves scale degrees 6 and 7 to differentiate between the three scales. We will use these numbers to distinguish between the scales.Īnother similarity between each of the three types of minor scales is in the first five pitches. First of all, they are each heptatonic scales, which means that they are each composed of seven distinct pitches before repeating.Įach of these pitches is assigned a number, or scale degree, from 1-7. The three scales that are the focus of this article have a lot in common. Here’s a quick overview of the formulas before diving deeper into each of them individually. The Difference Between Natural, Harmonic & Melodic Minor Oftentimes, when we get stuck on a particular chunk of melody, all it means is that we have chosen the hammer when we needed the saw. When we switched to d-minor we now have (E^F) the 2nd and 3rd note close, as well as (A^Bb) the 5th and 6th note close together.Essentially, a scale is just a collection of pitches.Įach scale is curated for a particular purpose, so choosing a scale is like choosing a tool.ĭifferent compositions call for different scales, in the same way that different carpentry projects call for different woodworking tools. Minor scales have a different pattern than major, but all minor scale patterns are the same. The specific notes that are close together is what makes the major scale pattern. In a Major scale the 3rd, and 4th note are close together (Mi^Fa), as well as the 7th, and 8th note (Ti^Do). This is easier to do looking at a violin, or a piano. Another way we can look at it is to see what notes are close together. It doesn’t matter if you play/sing D-Major, B-Major, or F#-Major, they will all sound like that infamous Sound of Music song. Most people have heard, and at some point sang Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti-Do. I would like to break it down to a more simple form though.Īll major scales have the same pattern. “What is the difference between major and minor?” I love asking this question because I usually get some sort of answer like “Major sounds happy, and minor sounds sad.” This is a great answer! It is great that we equate emotions to sounds. ![]()
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