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The Relative (Natural) Minor Scale
Fact Sheet Three
CUS40109 Certificate IV in Music
The Natural Minor Scale
This worksheet is about Minor Scales. You will study several common variations of the Minor Scale including the
Relative (or Natural) Minor Scale, the Harmonic Minor Scale, the Melodic Minor Scale and the Jazz Minor Scale.
Units of Competency Addressed – Required Skills and Knowledge in:
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CUSMCP402A
CUSMPF303A
CUSMPF405A
CUSMPF401A
CUSMPF305A
CUSMPF404A
Develop techniques for composing music
Contribute to backup accompaniment
Develop instrumental techniques
Rehearse music for group performances
Develop improvisation skills
Perform music as part of a group
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minor_scale
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9x39WqDrW-k
Relative Minor Scale (Aeolian Mode)
1. Revision. The MAJOR SCALE is so called because the INTERVAL between
the the 1st & 3rd degrees is called a Major Third ( 2 Tones or 4 Semi-tones).
This, together with the intervals between all of the notes (i.e. T T S T T T S )
defines the QUALITY of the MAJOR SCALE.
2. If you start a scale on the 6th DEGREE of any Major scale we create what is
known as the "NATURAL (or RELATIVE) MINOR SCALE. It can also be
known as the "Aeolian Mode".
3. The order of Tones and Semi-Tones in a Minor Scale is (starting at the 6th
DEGREE):
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TSTTTST
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WHWWWHW
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2122212
4. The MINOR SCALE therefore has MINOR THIRD between the 1st and 3rd
Degrees i.e. 1 1/2 Tones or 3 Semitones)
5. In C Major the Relative Minor is A Minor and the notes are:
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ABCDEFG
6. Every Major Scale has a "Relative Minor".
7. The Triads have the same names as the relative Major but start on the 6th
degree (of the Major)
8. In A Minor the Triads are:
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Am BD C Dm Em F G
9. As with the Major Scale Minor Scale can use SCALE DEGREES to define their
position in the SCALE. This can either be in ROMAN NUMERALS or ARABIC
NUMERALS (Nashville Numbering).
10. Remember though that if you are notating TRIADS you would need to use lower
case Roman Numerals or place a lower case "m" for Arabic Numerals. e.g. ii or
2m for MINOR CHORDS and UPPER CASE for MAJOR CHORDS
11. There are several variations of the minor scale in common use:
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Harmonic Minor Scale
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Melodic Minor Scale
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Jazz Minor Scale
12. Other types of Minor Scales and Major Scales can be formed from the Major
Scale. These are called MODES and are the subject of your next Fact Sheet.
CUS40109 Certificate IV in Music
©Southern College of Music 2015
“Music Theory-Minor Scales”
Version 1.2
26/03/2015
Page 2
CUS40109 Certificate IV in Music
©Southern College of Music 2015
“Music Theory-Minor Scales”
Version 1.2
26/03/2015
Page 3