Scales are a fundamental concept in music theory, providing the foundation for melody and harmony. They are a series of notes arranged in a specific pattern of whole and half steps, which give them a unique sound and character. In the case of minor scales, this character is often described as ‘timid, melancholic or sad’. Knowing about different types of scales is essential for any musician or music enthusiast who wants to develop their understanding of music theory.
One of the most common types of scales is the minor scale. But just how many minor scales are there in Western music? This is a question that often arises for beginner musicians. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of minor scales, and answer this question in detail.
What are Minor Scales?
Minor scales are a set of seven notes arranged in a specific pattern of whole and half steps. Unlike major scales, they have a more melancholic and emotional feel to them. They are often used in classical, jazz, blues, and rock music to create mood and tonal color.
There are three main types of minor scales:
- Natural minor
- Harmonic minor
- Melodic minor
Each type of minor scale has a unique pattern of whole and half steps that distinguish it from the others. Let’s explore each type in detail.
Natural Minor Scale
The natural minor scale is also known as the pure minor scale, and it is the most common type of minor scale. Its pattern of whole and half steps is:
W-H-W-W-H-W-W,
where W represents a whole step and H represents a half step. This scale has a flat third, sixth, and seventh note, and is commonly used in music genres like classical, pop, and rock. Some popular songs that use the natural minor scale include “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin and “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton.
Harmonic Minor Scale
The harmonic minor scale is a variation of the natural minor scale. Its pattern of whole and half steps is:
W-H-W-W-H-3H-H,
where 3H represents three half steps or a step and a half. The seventh note of this scale is raised by a half step, giving it a unique tonal character. This scale is commonly used in classical and metal music to create a sense of tension and resolution. Some popular songs that use the harmonic minor scale include “Moonlight Sonata” by Beethoven and “Hall of the Mountain King” by Edvard Grieg.
Melodic Minor Scale
The melodic minor scale is another variation of the natural minor scale. Its pattern of whole and half steps is:
W-H-W-W-W-W-H,
where W of course represents a whole step and H represents a half step. This scale has a raised sixth and seventh note when ascending, but a natural sixth and seventh note when descending. This scale is commonly used in jazz and fusion music to create a more exotic and sophisticated sound. Some popular songs that use the melodic minor scale include “Autumn Leaves” by Joseph Kosma and “Maiden Voyage” by Herbie Hancock.
So, How Many Minor Scales are There?
We’ve learned that minor scales are categorized into three types: natural, harmonic, and melodic.
Since aach of these types has 12 variations, one for each key, that makes a total of 36 minor scales.
It is important to note that the patterns of whole and half steps are different between the different types of minor scales, which gives them unique qualities and sounds.
The Importance of Knowing Minor Scales
Minor scales are commonly used in different musical genres and compositions. Understanding the role of minor scales in chord progressions, melodies, and harmonies is crucial in developing musical knowledge and skills. Learning to play and recognize different types of minor scales can help musicians to improvise, compose, and perform more effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are 36 minor scales in Western music, and each has a unique pattern of whole and half steps. Knowing about minor scales is important for musicians to enhance their music theory knowledge, improve their skills, and to broaden their musical horizons. Learning about minor scales is a crucial step in becoming a well-rounded musician, so it’s worth taking the time to explore and understand them fully.