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Three Minor Scales
Builds on Major Scale Construction
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Major isn't the only 7-note scale family — minor keys draw on three closely related scale forms, each used for a different musical purpose, all sharing one tonic.
Natural minor (also called the Aeolian mode) simply lowers the 3rd, 6th, and 7th scale degrees of the major scale. Harmonic minor raises that 7th degree back up, restoring a strong pull toward the tonic (a leading tone) at the cost of an unusual gap — an augmented 2nd — between the 6th and 7th degrees. Melodic minor traditionally raises both the 6th and 7th degrees on the way up, smoothing out that gap.
⚠️ Common mistake
Treating 'minor scale' as if it were a single fixed thing the way the major scale is. Which of the three forms is being used changes the 6th and/or 7th scale degree — always check which one an exercise or piece is drawing from.
📝 Summary
Natural minor lowers the 3rd, 6th, 7th of major. Harmonic minor raises the 7th back up for a stronger cadence. Melodic minor also raises the 6th when ascending. All three share the same tonic and lowered 3rd.
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