This scale follows the same formula as the natural minor scale, with the exception of the 6th note. In addition to the natural and harmonic minor scales, there is also a scale called “Melodic” minor. Harmonic minor example: Billie Eilish - Bury a Friend Since then, the harmonic minor scale has evolved to stand on its own, being used in many popular songs and as an improvisational tool. When composers would descend, they would lower the 7th, as a return to the normal or natural minor scale. The harmonic minor scale was first used as a way to create a smooth sound when ascending through a minor scale. It is incredibly common in Baroque music, and also in Eastern (Asian and European) music. This scale instantly screams “classical” music. In other words, the 3rd and 6th notes are lowered, but the 7th note stays the same as it is in the major scale. These are called “harmonic” minor and “melodic” minor.Ī harmonic minor scale is a minor scale with a natural 7th scale degree. There are two other minor scales that come from the classical tradition, which are still used in music today. It feels more compressed and moody and is great for scoring drama or writing introspective music. The minor scale has a “darker” quality than the major scale, due to the smaller spaces between notes. If we take the major scale and lower the 3rd, 6th, and 7th notes we create the minor scale.Īnother way to look at this is by using this formula of whole and half steps. “C” major is most often used as an example because it contains no sharp or flat notes (called accidentals). The major scale is formed by choosing a starting note and then applying this formula. We use this most basic scale as a foundation for forming other scales, and when discussing music theory as a whole. The major scale is considered home base when it comes to music theory. If you need to brush up on your knowledge of basic theory or want to dive a little deeper at any point in the article, you can learn and review more music theory basics here. Whole steps and half steps can also be called “whole tones” and “semitones”. Whole steps are the distance of two notes (two piano keys or frets on the guitar), while half steps are the distance of one-note (one piano key or one fret on the guitar). What Are The Most Common Types of Musical Scalesīefore we learn the four most common musical scales, we need a few building blocks- Musical scales are formed by applying a formula of whole and half steps to a starting pitch or “tonic” note. By the end of this article, you’ll have enough knowledge to backflip off the diving board into the deep end and start experimenting with some really mind-bending musical concepts. When it comes to writing and producing, scale theory won’t substitute true inspiration, but it will certainly help expand your horizons, and give you a valuable “get out of jail free” card if you ever find yourself stuck with a musical problem, writer's block, or are having difficulty understanding a new concept on your instrument. Learning scales isn’t only an asset to any aspiring theory head, but also an invaluable tool in the creative process. Chords, which are used to write songs, come from scales. Scales are the true building block of all melody and harmony. There are plenty of different scales to explore, and in this article, we’re going to give you a solid foundation to go out and explore scales in your own musical journey. Some common scales you may already have heard of are major, minor, and pentatonic or “blues”. This formula can begin on any of the 12 tones in the Western musical alphabet, to produce the scale that corresponds with that note. Scales are fun and amazing devices of science, math, sound, and expression.Ī scale, by definition, is a sequence of musical notes arranged according to a specific formula. For some reason unknown to us, practicing scales or even just the word “scales” seems to fill musicians with as much fear and existential dread as public speaking or doing taxes.
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