To create a minor scale from a given major scale, you'll typically need to flatten certain notes to lower the scale correctly. However, let's first clarify how many flats exist in a minor scale and which scale degrees need to be altered.
Natural Minor Scale
The natural minor scale follows this interval pattern:
- Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole
Harmonic Minor Scale
The harmonic minor scale raises the seventh scale degree by a half step:
- Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole and a Half, Half
Melodic Minor Scale
In the melodic minor scale, the sixth and seventh degrees are raised when ascending, and the natural minor form is used when descending:
- Ascending: Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half
- Descending: Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole
Identifying Flats for Minor Scales
To determine which flats need to be added to a scale to make it minor, you can follow these general guidelines to derive the natural minor scale from its relative major scale:
- Start with the major scale.
- Identify the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 7th degrees of that scale.
- Lower the 3rd, 6th, and 7th degrees by a half step (flatten them).
Example: C Major Scale to A Minor Scale
- C Major: C D E F G A B
- A Minor: A B C D E F G
Here, we see that the E (3rd), G (6th), and B (7th) of A have been flattened compared to the C major scale.
Multiple Choice Exercise
Now, here are some multiple-choice questions:
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To convert the E Major Scale (E F# G# A B C# D#) to E Minor, which notes need to be flattened? a) D# b) C# c) G# d) B
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To create a G Minor Scale (G A B C D E F) from the G Major Scale (G A B C D E F#), which notes are altered? a) F# b) D c) C d) A
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What are the notes of the B Minor Scale from B Major (B C# D# E F# G# A#)? a) B C D E F# G A b) B C# D E F# G A c) B C# D# E F# G A# d) B C# D E F# G A#
Answers
- b) C# (flatten C# to C)
- a) F# (flatten F# to F)
- a) B C D E F# G A (lowered D# to D and A# to A)
Feel free to ask if you need clarification on a specific scale or further exercises!
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