From the course: Music Theory for Songwriters: Harmony

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The harmonic and melodic minor scales

The harmonic and melodic minor scales

From the course: Music Theory for Songwriters: Harmony

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The harmonic and melodic minor scales

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- There are two variations of the natural minor scale. The harmonic minor and melodic minor scales. The harmonic minor scale differs from the natural minor by a single note, which is a raised seventh degree. Let's listen to the harmonic minor scale. First, I'll play A natural minor and then follow it with A harmonic minor. Here's A natural minor. And here's A harmonic minor. Notice the raised seventh degree, the G will become a G sharp. Did you notice the difference in sound due to the adjustment of the seventh degree of the scale? I'll play it again. Here's the natural minor. And here's the harmonic minor. Not only does the raised seventh create the interval of an augmented second between the sixth and seventh notes, it also creates the presence of a leading tone. Remember, leading tone creates gravity, a pull to resolve to the tonic. Just by moving that one note in the scale, three of the triads that belong to the harmonic minor now differ from the natural minor. Let me show you the…

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