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Minor Scales - Part 1 (The Basics)- Video

Apr 14, 2025

Lecture Notes: Calculating Minor Scales - Part 1: Natural Minor

Introduction

  • This video is part one of a series focused on calculating minor scales.
  • The types of minor scales covered in the series:
    • Natural Minor
    • Harmonic Minor
    • Melodic Minor
  • Importance of the Natural Minor Scale:
    • Essential to understand before moving to harmonic and melodic scales.
    • Provides a foundational step (small leap to understanding other minor scales).

Pre-requisites

  • Familiarity with the Circle of Fifths is crucial for understanding minor scales.
  • Recommended resources:
    • Video on creating the Circle of Fifths.
    • Advanced video on using the Circle of Fifths to calculate minor key signatures.

Natural Minor Scale Calculation

Example 1: E Natural Minor Ascending

  • Step 1: Calculate the Key Signature
    • Use the Circle of Fifths.
    • Start at "A" on the circle and count to "E" (E minor).
    • E is one notch away from A on the sharp side, indicating one sharp.
    • Order of sharps: Take the first letter, "F".
    • Key signature for E minor: F#.
  • Step 2: Write in the Notes
    • Start from E, write notes up to the next E.
    • Ensure a note is placed on every line and space.

Example 2: C Natural Minor Ascending and Descending

  • Step 1: Calculate the Key Signature
    • Find "C" on the Circle of Fifths.
    • C is three notches from A on the flat side, indicating three flats.
    • Order of flats: B, E, A (becomes Bâ™­, Eâ™­, Aâ™­).
    • Key signature for C minor: Bâ™­, Eâ™­, Aâ™­.
  • Step 2: Write in the Notes
    • Start from C, write notes up to the next C (ascending).
    • For descending, write notes from the next C back down.
    • Ensure each line and space has a note.

Important Considerations

  • Natural minors are essential for understanding melodic and harmonic minors.
  • In Associated Board (ABRSM) music theory exams:
    • Natural minor is not an acceptable answer for minor scale identification.
    • Answers must be melodic or harmonic minor.
    • Possible future inclusion of natural minors in exams, but not currently.

Conclusion

  • Confidence in calculating natural minors brings you close to mastering other minor scales.
  • Encouragement to watch part two for harmonic minor scales.

Final Note

  • Understanding natural minor scales is crucial despite its current exam limitations.
  • Thanks for watching and encouragement to continue with the series.

Full transcript