Minor scale
In music theory,
minor scale may refer to: ▪ a heptatonic scale whose first, third, and fifth scale degrees form a minor triad, that is, a 7-note scale in which the third note is a minor third above the first, and the fifth note is a perfect fifth above the first. This includes the
natural minor,
harmonic minor, and
melodic minor scales. A minor scale differs from a major scale in that the third degree in a major scale is a major third above the first degree. In other words, the third degree in a major scale is one semitone higher than in a minor scale. ▪ the
natural minor scale, also known as Aeolian scale, taken by itself. When a major scale and a natural minor scale have the same key signature, they are relative keys. A natural minor scale has the same notes as its relative major scale, but is built starting from the sixth note of the relative major scale. ▪ the functional fusion of
natural minor,
harmonic minor, and
melodic minor scales, as is used in Western classical music. A harmonic minor scale differs from a natural minor scale in that the seventh note is raised one semitone.