There are three primary types of minor scales in music:
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Natural Minor Scale: This scale follows a specific pattern of whole and half steps: whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole. For example, the A natural minor scale consists of the notes A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.
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Harmonic Minor Scale: This scale is similar to the natural minor scale but raises the seventh note by a half step, creating a distinct sound. The pattern for the harmonic minor is: whole, half, whole, whole, half, augmented second, half. For example, the A harmonic minor scale is A, B, C, D, E, F, G#.
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Melodic Minor Scale: The melodic minor scale has two forms: ascending and descending. The ascending form raises both the sixth and seventh notes, while the descending form is the same as the natural minor scale. The ascending pattern is: whole, half, whole, whole, whole, whole, half. For instance, the A melodic minor ascending scale is A, B, C, D, E, F#, G#, and descending is A, G, F, E, D, C, B.
These scales are foundational in Western music and can be used in various contexts, such as composition and improvisation.