natural harmonic and melodic minor scales guitar

#Natural harmonic and melodic minor scales guitar how to#

The melodic minor scale for guitar is the most difficult to remember as it ascends differently than it descends. Big difference! It’s amazing how changing just one note in a scale can dramatically impact the chord association!

But, as a result of altering the scale, the chord built on the fifth degree of a harmonic minor scale is a dominant seventh, which has a much stronger need to resolve to the one chord! So, a chord progression of Am7, Dm7, and Em7 now becomes Am7, Dm7, and E7. You’ll find that a seventh chord built on the fifth degree of a natural minor scale is a minor seventh.

#Natural harmonic and melodic minor scales guitar how to#

To harmonize a scale, build a triad or seventh chord on every degree of the scale – you’ll see how to do this in the chord construction lesson in Part 3 of the series. The most important thing, however, to understand about the harmonic minor scale is how it changes harmonization of the scale. It’s widely used in classical music, but it’s very effective in modern, popular music also. With the raised seventh tone, the harmonic minor scale now has a stronger need to resolve up to the tonic – exactly the same way the leading tone (7th degree) of a major scale resolves. This scale variation has a unique, almost snake-charmer quality. In the harmonic minor scale, there are still half steps between 2 to 3 and 5 to 6, however, the 7th degree is raised one half step resulting in a half step from 7 to 8 also. When a major key and a minor key contain exactly the same notes (the key signature will be the same also), they’re termed relative keys. By the way, the major keys should be noted by upper case letters, and minor keys by lower case letters. Note that the ‘a’ minor scale, below, has exactly the same notes as the C major scale. Unlike the major scales for guitar, the half steps occur between degrees 2 to 3 and 5 to 6 in the natural minor scale. Again, all of the forms are diatonic, so the alternating line and space rule still applies. Natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales have been used in classical music for centuries, and they’re all used in modern music as well. Whereas major scales have a bright, happy sound, minor scales sound sad and somber. Minor scales for guitar also follow a strict pattern of whole and half steps, however, they can be somewhat confusing since there are three types of scales, each with a different pattern. Depending upon your point of view, they’re equally as important, especially in the metal, hard rock, alternative, and blues genres. But, for now, let’s explore minor scales. And, in Part 3, you’ll see how they are the foundation for chord construction and harmony. In Part I of this Music Theory for Guitar series, you learned how to construct and play major scales in the five primary positions on the fret board. So, I hope you enjoy my contributions to this fantastic website, and I wish you continued success! I tutor math and English once in awhile, too.

Teaching music is my primary focus, but, since I minored in English in school, I enjoy writing as well – especially music articles and lessons. I strive to provide my students with the same level of musical knowledge, encouragement, and inspiration that will last a lifetime.

Every rock and jazz instructor played an integral role in my development as a guitar player and teacher, and I still highly value their collective mentorship. Over the years, I’ve had the good fortune to study with many accomplished musicians including Elliott Randall of Steely Dan fame (Reelin’ in the Years and others). Too bad, huh? I know I made the right career choice – I traded metallurgy for metal, I guess. And, I can’t forget the Yardbirds – Jeff Beck was ‘in hospital’ that day, so Jimmy Page assumed the lead guitar duties. Perhaps, my decision was prompted by having attended live performances by Jimi Hendrix, Robin Trower, Muddy Waters, Johnny Winter, Mountain, Ten Years After, Jefferson Airplane, Iron Butterfly, and the list goes on and on. The budding age of rock ‘n’ roll was just beginning to take shape back then, in the ‘60’s – and, it was a lot more fun than classical piano.Īfter two years of metallurgical engineering school at Ohio State University, I opted to continue my education at the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music in the modern guitar program.

I began my piano studies at age six, but later changed my focus to guitar upon entering high school. Residing in Denver, Colorado, I have over thirty years experience as a private music instructor specializing in guitar, piano, and college-prep music theory.