A minor scale is a sequence of musical notes in which the third scale degree is a minor third above the tonic. The notes A–B–C–D–E–F–G form a prototypical minor scale.

In this lesson we break down the minor scale on guitar and look at patterns, positions and theory.

Chart of the scale formula/pattern & intervals of many popular scales like the major scale, natural minor scale, melodic minor scale and harmonic minor scale.

A good way to memorize this formula is to start on Middle C on the piano. Now while playing each note in the scale, simply repeat the formula out loud, “whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half” until …

The formula for the minor scale is whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole. This formula is the same sequence as the major scale formula, but it begins on a different note.

There are three variations on the minor scale: natural minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor. Each minor scale is an ordered collection of half and whole steps, as follows: Natural minor: …

In this guide, you’ll learn the three types of minor scales, what makes them different from major scales, and how to recognize them by ear and on paper. Whether you’re writing music, improvising, or …

Explore minor scales in 2025: Natural Minor (Aeolian), Harmonic Minor, and Melodic Minor. Understand their formulas and distinct sounds. Music Theory for Dummies guide.

This method uses the Major Scale of the same tonic and applies the Natural, Harmonic or Melodic Minor formula to it. Example: To find the A Natural Minor Scale, start with the A Major Scale, then apply the …

Feb 24, 2024 · What are minor scales and how do we form them? In this post, we cover the three types of minor scales: natural, harmonic and melodic and their formulas.