Minor

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Minor keys or chords contrast to major versions - often minor is said to sound sadder!?

When you play minor intervals, chords or keys (versus major) - they have a semitone step to the 3rd and 6th. Some examples:

  • C minor 3rd = C + Eb
  • D minor 3rd = D + F
  • A minor 6th = A + F
  • E flat minor 6th = Eb + Cb
  • G minor chord = G + Bb + D
  • B flat minor chord = Bb + Db + F

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Minor scales come in several varieties:

  • harmonic - same up + down
  • melodic - whole tone steps for last 2 notes in each direction
  • natural - using notes of relative major

More info in this video:


Read more: Major and Minor Wikipedia