MINOR SCALE Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

minor scale

noun

Also called harmonic minor scale. a scale having half steps between the second and third, fifth and sixth, and seventh and eighth degrees, with whole steps for the other intervals.
Also called melodic minor scale. a scale having the third degree lowered a half step when ascending, and the seventh, sixth, and third degrees lowered a half step when descending.

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of minor scale¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Discover More

Compare Meanings

How does minor scale compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But it’s a more difficult song to nail because it’s wordy, Glass said, “and the melody descends in a minor scale which may take some skill.”

From

In Western culture, we predominantly use the major and minor scales.

From

Figure 4.19: The interval patterns for major and natural minor scales are basically the same pattern starting at different points.

From

"In this exam: She needs to play three pieces by memory, two pieces read music, technique requirements in major, minor scales, ear training, sight-reading, rhythm clap back, listening and playback and etc."

From

The teacher tried to explain where middle C was but I could already play all the major and minor scales, as well as tonic and dominant functions, and the circle of fifths.

From

Browse