Grade 2 introduces the minor scale for the first time. You learn three minor keys — A minor, D minor and E minor — and how each is related to a major key.
Relative major and minor
Every minor key shares its key signature with a major key. These two are called relatives. The minor key is called the relative minor and its keynote is a minor 3rd (three semitones) lower than the major keynote. Because they share a key signature, they use the same sharps or flats.
- A minor is the relative minor of C major (no sharps or flats).
- D minor is the relative minor of F major (one flat, B♭).
- E minor is the relative minor of G major (one sharp, F♯).
The harmonic minor scale
At Grade 2 you only need the harmonic form of the minor scale. It uses the notes of the key signature but raises the 7th note by a semitone, both going up and coming down. This raised 7th is written as an accidental, because it is not part of the key signature.
For example, A harmonic minor is A, B, C, D, E, F, G♯, A. The G is sharpened to G♯. In D harmonic minor the 7th note C is raised to C♯, and in E harmonic minor the 7th note D is raised to D♯.
Telling major from minor
If two keys share a key signature, how do you tell which one a piece is in? Look at the music for the raised 7th: an accidental sharpening the 7th degree of the minor key is a strong clue that the piece is minor. The first and last notes, and the tonic triad used, also help you decide.
The raised 7th gives the harmonic minor its special sound, with a wider step of a tone and a half between the 6th and 7th notes.
Remember
- A minor key shares a key signature with a major key three semitones higher.
- A minor → C major; D minor → F major; E minor → G major.
- The harmonic minor raises the 7th note by a semitone, up and down.
- The raised 7th is an accidental, not part of the key signature.