Natural minor scale

Definition

The natural minor scale is a seven-note scale that is derived from the major scale by lowering the third, sixth, and seventh degrees. This scale creates a distinct sound characterized by its darker and more melancholic qualities compared to its major counterpart. Understanding the natural minor scale is essential as it connects to the concepts of scales, key signatures, and intervals, forming the foundation for many musical compositions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The natural minor scale can be represented with the interval pattern: whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole.
2. In C major, the natural minor scale would be A natural minor, containing the notes A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.
3. The tonic of the natural minor scale serves as the home note from which melodies can begin and resolve.
4. Many folk and traditional music styles often utilize the natural minor scale for its emotive qualities.
5. When constructing chords within a natural minor scale, the resulting triads will generally be minor on the tonic, subdominant, and dominant degrees.

Review Questions

• How does the natural minor scale differ from the major scale in terms of structure and emotional impact?
  • The natural minor scale differs from the major scale primarily by its lowered third, sixth, and seventh degrees. While the major scale creates a bright and happy sound due to its specific interval pattern of whole and half steps, the natural minor scale features a more somber and melancholic sound. This emotional impact makes it suitable for various genres of music that aim to evoke deeper feelings.
• What role do the lowered sixth and seventh degrees play in creating tension within melodies in the natural minor scale?
  • The lowered sixth and seventh degrees of the natural minor scale contribute significantly to its unique sound. The flattened sixth degree adds to the overall dark character of the scale while also providing melodic movement. The flattened seventh degree creates tension that typically resolves back to the tonic when used in melodies. This tension-resolution relationship is crucial for composers when crafting emotionally compelling music.
• Evaluate how understanding the natural minor scale can enhance your ability to analyze chord progressions in various musical styles.
  • Understanding the natural minor scale allows you to recognize common chord progressions and their emotional implications across various musical styles. Since many genres incorporate this scale, knowing its structure helps identify how chords are built from its degrees. For instance, recognizing that the tonic and subdominant chords are minor can aid in predicting how these chords will function within a piece. This analysis deepens your appreciation of composition techniques used in music ranging from classical to modern genres.

Related terms

Major Scale: A seven-note scale that follows a specific pattern of whole and half steps, producing a bright and happy sound.

Harmonic Minor Scale: A variation of the natural minor scale that raises the seventh degree by a half step, creating a unique tension and resolution in melodies.

Scale Degrees: The individual notes of a scale, each assigned a number based on their position within the scale, which helps in analyzing melodies and harmonies.