Minor Scales Jazz Piano Tutorial
There are three types of minor scale: the natural minor scale , the harmonic minor scale and the melodic minor scale. Each minor scale has a different use and application in jazz piano and so learning how to construct and apply each one is a vital skill.
Free Downloadable PDF Resource:
Download this printable lesson resource containing the 36 minor scales:
The Natural Minor Scale
The natural minor scale is most likely the first minor scale that you will come across. Also known as the relative minor, it contains the exact same notes as the major scale that starts a minor 3rd above
The Harmonic Minor Scale
The harmonic minor scale is the same as the natural minor scale but with a raised 7th degree. Raising the 7th degree by half a step gives the scale a much stronger harmonic foundation and allows you to create more interesting harmonic possibilities in minor keys. To build a minor 251 progression, you must use chords from the harmonic minor scale
The Melodic Minor Scale
Finally, the melodic minor is the same as the natural minor but with the 6th and 7th degrees raised. The raised 6th and 7th degrees removes any awkward intervals in the scale making it flow very smoothly. This makes the melodic minor scale particularly suited to melodic development. In classical music, the melodic minor scale has a raised 6th and 7th ascending and then a flat 6th and 7th descending. In jazz we ignore this approach and play the scale the same ascending and descending.
Related Lessons
In this lesson we are going to look at some alternative ways to voice minor 251s with our left hand. We introduce the -11b5 chord and its inversions.
We have voiced minor 251 progressions with our left hand and so now it’s time to spread the notes across 2 hands to get bigger chords with more impact!
Minor harmony is much more complex than major harmony and so the minor 251 progression takes much more time and patience to master.
Practice Tips
The minor scales will take longer to learn that the major scales as there are 36 minor scales.
If you are just starting out, it is not vitally important to have all these scales memorized in every key. But you should understand the difference between the scales and know the formulas for constructing them:
- Natural Minor: major scale with b3, b6 & b7
- Harmonic Minor: major scale with b3, & b6
- Melodic Minor: major scale with b3
Considering you understand those 3 formulas, you now know how to construct the minor scales in all 12 keys.
Try to work out the scale using the formulas instead of becoming over reliant on the notation. This is important and will give you a functional understanding of the scales and the tones they contain.
