Natural Minor

Definition

The natural minor scale is a diatonic scale that consists of seven notes, following a specific pattern of whole and half steps: whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole. It differs from the major scale by having a lowered third, sixth, and seventh scale degree, creating a distinctively darker and more melancholic sound. The natural minor scale serves as a fundamental aspect of music theory, influencing harmony and melody in various genres.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The natural minor scale can be constructed from any major scale by starting on the sixth degree of that major scale.
2. In terms of interval structure, the natural minor scale has a sequence of whole and half steps that creates its unique sound: W-H-W-W-H-W-W.
3. The natural minor scale is commonly used in various musical styles, including classical, rock, jazz, and folk music.
4. When transposing a melody or harmony into a natural minor key, it's essential to maintain the specific intervals to preserve its characteristic sound.
5. The relative major key of a natural minor scale shares the same key signature and starts on the third degree of the natural minor scale.

Review Questions

• How does the natural minor scale relate to its relative major scale in terms of structure and usage?
  • The natural minor scale is closely related to its relative major scale; they share the same key signature but have different tonal centers. The natural minor starts on the sixth degree of the relative major scale. For example, A natural minor is the relative minor of C major. This relationship allows composers and musicians to easily switch between major and minor tonalities while maintaining a consistent harmonic framework.
• Discuss how the intervals of the natural minor scale contribute to its emotional character compared to the major scale.
  • The intervals of the natural minor scale create a distinct emotional character that contrasts with the brighter sound of the major scale. The lowered third degree gives it a melancholic quality, while the lowered sixth and seventh degrees further enhance its somber feel. These intervals allow for rich harmonic progressions and expressive melodies that can evoke feelings of sadness or introspection, making it a powerful tool for composers.
• Evaluate how understanding the natural minor scale is essential for effective melodic transposition in music composition.
  • Understanding the natural minor scale is crucial for effective melodic transposition because it allows composers to maintain the integrity of their musical ideas when shifting between keys. When transposing melodies into different keys using the natural minor scale, it's important to preserve the specific intervals and relationships between notes. This ensures that the character and emotional weight of the original melody are retained across different tonalities, which is vital for effective musical expression.

Related terms

Harmonic Minor:

A variation of the natural minor scale that raises the seventh degree by a half step, creating a leading tone that resolves more strongly to the tonic.

Melodic Minor:

A scale that raises both the sixth and seventh degrees when ascending and reverts to the natural minor form when descending, resulting in different melodic behaviors.

Scale Degrees:

The specific notes in a scale identified by their position relative to the tonic, often used to describe intervals and harmonic functions.