The Minor Scale

While there is only one major scale, there are three different variations of the minor scale.

The natural minor scale is constructed with the formula: W h W W h W W

To convert any natural minor scale into harmonic minor, raise the seventh note by a half step.

To convert a natural minor scale into melodic minor, raise both the sixth and seventh notes by a half step.

Melodic minor is usually only used when ascending.

Composers usually prefer to use the natural minor scale when descending.