Piano Chord Library
Rob
One tonic, three patterns
A natural minor is A B C D E F G. Harmonic minor keeps F and raises G to G♯. Ascending melodic minor raises F as well: A B C D E F♯ G♯. All three retain the minor third C.
| Form | A minor notes | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| Natural | A B C D E F G | Lowered 3, 6 and 7 relative to A major |
| Harmonic | A B C D E F G♯ | Raise natural minor’s seventh |
| Melodic, ascending | A B C D E F♯ G♯ | Raise natural minor’s sixth and seventh |
The large step in harmonic minor
F to G♯ spans three semitones. It is an augmented second in this spelling, rather than a whole step. G♯ then sits a semitone below A, creating a leading tone toward the tonic.
Descending is a separate choice
In the classical melodic-minor convention, descend A G F E D C B A, using the natural-minor notes. Some jazz contexts retain the raised sixth and seventh in both directions. Our explorer labels its melodic pattern ascending and plays upward; it does not silently choose a descending convention.
Compare deliberately
Open the scale explorer, select A, then switch among the three minor forms. Sing the seventh approaching A. Change only one degree at a time before changing the whole pattern.
Reference: Open Music Theory: minor scales. The explanation and comparison are original.
