Minor scale

In music theory, the minor scale has three scale patterns – the natural minor scale (or Aeolian mode), the harmonic minor scale, and the melodic minor scale (ascending or descending)^[1] – mirroring the major scale, with its harmonic and melodic forms.

${ \override Score.TimeSignature #'stencil = ##f \relative c' { \clef treble \time 7/4 c4^\markup { C natural minor scale } d es f g aes bes c2 } }$

${ \override Score.TimeSignature #'stencil = ##f \relative c' { \clef treble \time 7/4 c4^\markup { C harmonic minor scale } d es f g aes b!? c2 } }$

${ \override Score.TimeSignature #'stencil = ##f \relative c' { \clef treble \time 7/4 c4^\markup { C melodic minor scale } d es f g a!? b!? c bes aes g f es d c2 } }$

In each of these scales, the first, third, and fifth scale degrees form a minor triad (rather than a major triad, as in a major scale). In some contexts, minor scale is used to refer to any heptatonic scale with this property^[2] (see Related modes below).

^ Kostka, Stefan; Payne, Dorothy (2004). Tonal Harmony (5th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. p. 12. ISBN 0-07-285260-7.
^ Prout, Ebenezer (1889). Harmony: Its Theory and Practice, pp. 15, 74, London, Augener.

[1] Kostka, Stefan; Payne, Dorothy (2004). Tonal Harmony (5th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. p. 12. ISBN 0-07-285260-7.

[2] Prout, Ebenezer (1889). Harmony: Its Theory and Practice, pp. 15, 74, London, Augener.

[1]

[2]