Chapter 5 ::
Minor Keys
Parallel and Relative Keys
When talking about the relationship between major and minor keys, there are two ways to relate the two.
Parallel keys share the same tonic, but have a different quality. For example, the key of G Major is parallel to g minor. Relative keys share the same key signature, but have different tonics. An easy way to find a relative key is to count three half steps down from the Major tonic. For example, the key of C Major is relative to a minor. Another way to find the relative is to know that the minor relative tonic is the 6th scale in Major relative key.
Parallel keys share the same tonic, but have a different quality. For example, the key of G Major is parallel to g minor. Relative keys share the same key signature, but have different tonics. An easy way to find a relative key is to count three half steps down from the Major tonic. For example, the key of C Major is relative to a minor. Another way to find the relative is to know that the minor relative tonic is the 6th scale in Major relative key.
Forms of Minor Scales
Unlike the Major scale, there are three different forms of the minor scale: natural, harmonic, and melodic minor.
In a natural minor scale, there is no change and the accidentals match the key signature of the relative major. The only change is that the 7th scale degree is called the subtonic instead of the leading tone. This type of scale is shown on the top of the image below. In a harmonic minor scale, one of the differences is that the 7th scale degree is raised by a half step and is now referred to as the leading tone. In a melodic minor scale, the 6th and 7th scale degrees are BOTH raised by a half step. |
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When all these were first thrown at me, I was terrified! Just when I thought I understood the minor scale, they threw 2 more minor scales at me with different rules! The most difficult part for me was differentiating between when to use the leading tone and when to use the subtonic. It wasn't until recently that these concepts have clicked with me. I still don't feel 100% confident, but I, at least, have a foundation on which I can continue building my skills on top of.
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