Minor Keys

     Today we'll focus on the types of minor keys. Remember circle of fifths a few posts ago? That graphic shows which minor key relates to each major key, with the same number of sharps and flats. F Major and d minor will have identical key signatures. Now, you may be asking yourself why have the minor key if it is the exact same thing? The secret to the minor keys are the different types.

     Natural minor has no accidentals in the scale or piece. Natural minor only really differs in it's use of notes. 

     In melodic minor you will raise the sixth and seventh notes of the scale on the way up. So using the example of d minor again, a d melodic minor scale would go from a Bb to a B and from a F to a F#. On the way back down you move the sixth and seventh back to normal. 

     My personal favorite is the harmonic minor scale. In this scale you raise the seventh note of the scale only. In a d minor scale the C would be raised up to a C#. This creates a reeeally cool exotic sound.

Natural minor

Melodic minor

                                                         Harmonic minor

Just some scales for your listening pleasure