How To Construct A Minor Scale?
Every Minor scale is a part of some Major scale that shares the same black&white keys with it. In order to find the Minor scale of any Major scale we take the first tone of that Major scale and we count two scale tones down.
For example, let’s find the parallel minor scale of F Major. This is the first tone of F Major, we count one, two scale tones down and we get to the first tone of it’s parallel minor scale which is D, so it’s D minor. Now, why did i say we count two scale tones? It means tones that belong in that particular Major scale. Because if we count two other tones that don’t belong to F Major we will come to a different tone which is C#. Or, another way to find it is you can count a half step and a whole step down. Now, let’s find the parallel minor scale of G Major? One, two, E minor. And so forth.
Playing Exercise:
Now i’m going to give you a similar exercise for you to practice which consists of two minor scales, A minor and G minor. Here’s the right hand first. Now here’s the left hand. Now with two hands. And that’s it.
As part of your homework assignment, I would like you to identify the parallel minor scales of each major scale listed on this chart. Furthermore, I request that you write down the spellings of each tone. During our next lesson, I will provide you with the correct answers.