The minor scale is created by following a precise sequence of intervals (whole and half steps) that produce its characteristic sound: moody, somber, or emotional, contrasting with the major scale's bright, happy tone. This pattern can be applied starting on any note to build a minor scale in any key.
- Minor scales evoke emotions like sadness, introspection, or melancholy.
- They are fundamental in many genres, including rock, pop, jazz, blues, and classical.
The minor scale is typically associated with melancholy or introspective emotions.
Minor Scale Formula
The natural minor scale uses this interval pattern expressed in whole and half steps:
Whole - Half - Whole - Whole - Half - Whole - Whole
(W = whole step, H = half step)
Starting from the root, you apply this sequence of intervals to construct the minor scale.
- This formula can start on any root note, producing the minor scale for that key.
The natural minor scale pattern is W-H-W-W-H-W-W.
Example: A Minor Scale
Using the formula on A:
- A to B = Whole
- B to C = Half
- C to D = Whole
- D to E = Whole
- E to F = Half
- F to G = Whole
- G to A = Whole
The notes are: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A
- A minor contains no sharps or flats, making it the natural minor counterpart to C major.
Minor Scale on Guitar
To play a minor scale on guitar, use fingerings that follow the W-H-W-W-H-W-W pattern along the fretboard, starting from the root note on any string.
- Common minor scale patterns connect notes across strings for smooth, efficient playing.
- Memorizing these shapes lets you play minor scales in any key by shifting the pattern up/down the neck.
The minor scale pattern is defined by a sequence of whole and half steps.
Conclusion
The minor scale's unique interval structure gives it a distinct emotional flavor, making it essential for expressing a wide range of moods in music.
- Minor scales evoke moods from melancholy to introspection.
- The W-H-W-W-H-W-W formula applies to every minor scale, any root.
- Understanding minor scale construction opens doors to richer musical expression.