Overview
This lesson explains how to construct minor scales using a specific pattern of whole and half steps, and emphasizes that this pattern remains constant for all minor scales.
Building Minor Scales
- The minor scale is made by following the pattern: Whole - Half - Whole - Whole - Half - Whole - Whole.
- Each "Whole" stands for a whole step, and each "Half" stands for a half step on the keyboard.
- Starting from any note (the tonic), apply this pattern to build the natural minor scale.
- On the piano, the sequence of notes follows the set step pattern regardless of the tonic chosen.
Transposing Minor Scales
- You can transpose the minor scale to start from any tonic note by applying the same whole and half step sequence.
- The sound of the scale changes depending on the starting note, but the internal pattern does not change.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Minor Scale — A sequence of notes built using the pattern: whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole steps.
- Tonic — The first note of a scale, serving as its starting point.
- Whole Step — Two piano keys apart, including both white and black keys.
- Half Step — The very next key on the piano, whether black or white.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice constructing minor scales starting from different tonic notes using the given pattern.
- Explore how the pattern remains consistent as you transpose to new tonics.