Scales and Intervals:
- A minor scale is a heptatonic scale (consisting of seven notes) with a specific arrangement of whole steps and half steps. In the natural minor scale, the half steps occur between the 2nd and 3rd degrees, and the 5th and 6th degrees.
- Compared to a major scale, a minor scale has different intervals between its notes. The 3rd degree (mediant) is lowered by one half step, resulting in a minor 3rd interval (three semitones) instead of a major 3rd (four semitones) found in a major scale.
Tonality and Emotion:
- Minor keys and scales generally have a darker, melancholic, or somber sound compared to major keys, which are often brighter and more cheerful.
- The lowered 3rd degree in a minor scale creates a sense of emotional tension or yearning. This distinctive tonality is commonly used to evoke feelings of sadness, introspection, mystery, or even foreboding.
Examples of Minor Keys:
- Some common minor keys include A minor, E minor, and C minor. Each key has its own distinct sound, influenced by the arrangement of whole steps and half steps.
Minor Music:
- Minor keys are widely used in classical music, jazz, blues, and other genres. Classical composers often create pieces in minor keys to convey dramatic tension or emotional depth.
- In jazz, minor keys are frequently employed for improvisation, creating soulful and expressive melodies.
Symbol:
- In musical notation, a minor key or scale is indicated by the lowercase "m" after the key letter (e.g., "Am" for A minor).
Relative Major:
- Every minor key has a relative major key. For instance, the relative major of A minor is C major. They share the same key signature but start from different tonic notes, leading to different melodic and harmonic qualities.
Overall, the term "minor" in musical terms conveys a specific type of scale, emotional quality, and tonality that composers and musicians use to create diverse musical expressions.