Natural Minor, Harmonic Minor, and Melodic Minor Scales

Flashcards covering the key concepts of natural minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor scales, including definitions and examples.

Natural Minor Scale

Has the interval pattern: whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step (W-H-W-W-H-W-W).

Harmonic Minor Scale

Has the interval pattern: whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, half step, whole step + half step, half step (W-H-W-W-W-H-W-W-W-H-H).

Melodic Minor Scale

Has two different interval patterns: ascending (W-H-W-W-W-W-H) and descending (same as the natural minor scale).

Raised Seventh Scale Degree

In harmonic minor, the seventh scale degree is raised by a half step, creating a leading tone that provides a sense of resolution.

Augmented Second Interval

The interval created between the 6th and 7th scale degrees in harmonic minor due to raising the seventh scale degree.

Tonic

The first note of a scale, which serves as the tonal center.

Leading Tone

The seventh scale degree that is a half-step below the tonic, providing a strong resolution.

Ascending Form of Melodic Minor Scale

Raises the 6th and 7th scale degrees by a half step compared to the natural minor scale, creating major sixth and major seventh intervals.

Descending Form of Melodic Minor Scale

Identical to the natural minor scale; maintains the minor sixth and minor seventh intervals from the tonic.

Examples of Scales

A natural minor scale example: A B C D E F G A; A harmonic minor scale example: A B C D E F G# A; A melodic minor scale ascending example: A B C D E F# G# A; descending example: A G F E D C B A.