2.1 Minor Scales & Scale Degrees

Three forms of minor

Natural minor follows W–H–W–W–H–W–W. Harmonic minor raises the 7th scale degree (creating a leading tone). Melodic minor raises the 6th and 7th ascending, and reverts to natural descending.

Relative and parallel

Every major key has a relative minor sharing its key signature, a minor third below (C major / A minor). A parallel minor shares the tonic but a different key signature (C major / C minor).

Scale-degree names

Each degree has a name: 1 tonic, 2 supertonic, 3 mediant, 4 subdominant, 5 dominant, 6 submediant, 7 leading tone (or subtonic in natural minor).

Key terms

Natural minor

W–H–W–W–H–W–W

Harmonic minor

raises the 7th (adds a leading tone)

Melodic minor

raises 6 & 7 ascending; natural descending

Relative minor

shares the major key's signature (C major/A minor)

Scale degrees

1 tonic, 4 subdominant, 5 dominant, 7 leading tone

Try an AP-style question

The relative minor of C major is…

1. D minor
2. E minor
3. A minor
4. C minor