minor scale

Definition: A minor scale is a series of notes with a sad, somber character (exaggerated when heard back-to-back with a major scale). A minor scale begins on the sixth note of its relative major scale, and is built with the following pattern of half steps and whole steps:


  i__whole_ii°_^half_III__whole_iv__whole_v_^half_VI__whole_VII__whole _i (next octave)


(e _-------- f#° _------ G _---------- a _--------- b _------- C _---------- D _---------- e)

Understanding the Minor Scale Above:

• The lowercase roman numerals signify the location of the minor chords in the scale, while uppercase signifies major chords.


• The symbol ° indicates a diminished chord.

 ►  Minor Practice Scales for Piano


See major scale.

Also Known As:

• scala minore (It)
• échelle mineure (Fr)
• Molltonleiter (Ger)

Pronunciation: mine'-er  skayl


More Musical Terms:

• à l’aise
• double-sharp
• a piacere
• 8va
• D.C. al coda