Composing with Minor Scales
  • Unlike the major scale, three different minor scales exist.
  • Composers will often merge two of these scales, natural minor and harmonic minor, for a more pleasing sound.
  • Recall the diatonic triads of both scales.
  • Notice that many of the triads are the same.
  • Three pairs of triads (III–III+, v–V, and VII–viio) are different due to harmonic minor's raised seventh degree.
  • III is prefered to III+. This is because III+, being an augmented chord, has a peculiar sound.
  • V is preferred to v since V contains a leading tone (and therefore is stronger). This does not mean that v cannot be used.
  • VII and viio are both used equally. As you will later learn, each has a different function.
  • The merged minor scale contains nine different diatonic triads.
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