Whether you have been playing piano for decades or have just started taking piano lessons in Folsom, having a solid grasp of what minor scales are and the ways to play them is mandatory into the world of music theory, and scales are integral in the construction of the keys we hear in music.
However, let us begin with the following three types of minor scales for piano. Every kind of scale sounds completely different and feature notes that are arranged in different ways.
1. Natural Minor Scales
Also known as Aeolian modes, natural minor scales are the most common type of minor scales found in music.
The mode is named after an island chain found off of the Mediterranean coast called the Aeolian Islands, and the origins of this scale reach as far back as Ancient Greece. In contemporary music, the natural minor scale is unavoidable. Yes, it is often used to convey emotions such as despair and sadness, but music featuring this scale is able to showcase an assorted and intricate array of sounds and feelings.
Initially, work toward learning and recognizing what this scale sounds like before you try to play it in other keys. When you start learning this scale in other keys, always have a pencil and paper out and ready so you get in the habit of writing down patterns of notes before you try actually playing the scales on the piano.
2. Melodic Minor Scales
While going through professional piano lessons in Folsom, you will get to know that melodic minor scales are the only scales in music to have a totally different set of notes depending on if you are ascending or descending.
Over the years, a lot of composers and songwriters have taken advantage of this distinctive feature, but other music-makers go out of their way with the purpose of keeping away from it. Such scales can be found in all kinds of contemporary music, but they are frequently featured in hard rock and metal genres during solos that are usually played on guitar.
3. Harmonic Minor Scales
The distinctive meandering sound of Middle Eastern music is built off of the harmonic minor scale. This sound comes from the scale's raised 7th degree, which boosts a totally separate feel than the melodic and natural minor scales.
At times referred to as the Gypsy or Egyptian scale, this scale is sometimes found in art and jazz music, and a lot of popular songs.
Minor scales feature the entire chords and notes you listen to in minor keys. Melodies draw from this material and separate chords are built on each scale degree in minor keys.
How does this help you with being a piano player? Well, apart from the physical advantages playing all scales gives musicians, knowing the way to play and understand minor scales anywhere in music is vital if you would like to be a well-rounded piano player.
During piano lessons in Folsom, you will come to know that this knowledge is extraordinarily helpful whether you are interested in writing, improvising, or simply would like a better understanding of the music you play on a daily basis.
