The Minor Scale

While the Major scale is our basis of Music Theory, its tonality lends itself to brighter, happier moods and feelings.  Sometimes, we prefer darker, sadder tonalities, and for that, we look to the Minor Scale.

The Minor scale is very similar to the Major scale except for three modifications that produce sadder sounds.  

The notes 2, 4, and 5 have exactly the same relationship (and interval) with the Root (the 1) as in the Major Scale.  The differences are the notes 3, 6, and 7, which have all been flatted.  

The first change is the Minor 3rd.  The 3rd is flatted (or lowered by one half step), resulting in the 3rd being only one-and-a-half steps from the root instead of two steps like a major 3rd.  The Minor 3rd is a hallmark of any Scale or Chord to be considered minor.  This same process is used on the 6th and 7th degrees of the Minor scale as well. 

Take a look below to see and hear a side by side comparison of the Major and Minor scales.