Chords In The Minor Scale

Understanding Chords in the Minor Scale: A Deep Dive for Musicians

Minor scales, with their characteristic melancholic and introspective sound, form the backbone of countless songs across various genres. Understanding the chords built within a minor scale is crucial for any musician aiming to compose, improvise, or analyze music effectively. This comprehensive guide delves into the world of minor chords, exploring their construction, function, and application in musical contexts. We’ll move beyond simply listing the chords and explore their emotional impact and harmonic possibilities.

I. The Anatomy of a Minor Scale

Before diving into chords, let's refresh our understanding of the minor scale itself. There are three main types of minor scales: natural minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor. Each has a unique characteristic that significantly influences the resulting chords.

• Natural Minor: This is the most basic form, featuring a characteristic descending pattern of intervals: W-H-W-W-H-W-W (W = whole step, H = half step). It’s built using the same pattern as a major scale but starting on the 6th degree. The intervallic structure creates a relatively simple and straightforward harmonic landscape.

• Harmonic Minor: This scale modifies the natural minor by raising the 7th degree by a half step. This alteration creates a powerful leading tone, strongly pulling towards the tonic (the root note of the scale). This creates a stronger sense of resolution and often a more dramatic sound.

• Melodic Minor: This scale modifies both the 6th and 7th degrees of the natural minor scale when ascending. Both are raised by a half step, creating a smoother melodic contour. The descending form usually reverts to the natural minor scale. This creates a more lyrical and often brighter sound than the natural minor.

The choice of minor scale significantly impacts the character of the chords built within it.

II. Building Chords in the Natural Minor Scale

Let's begin by exploring the chords built from the natural minor scale. Using the A natural minor scale (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) as an example, we can construct seven chords:

1. i - Am (A minor): The tonic chord, providing a sense of home and stability. It's built using the 1st, 3rd, and 5th degrees of the scale (A-C-E).

2. ii - Bm (B minor): The supertonic chord, often functioning as a subdominant chord creating tension leading to the tonic. It's built using the 2nd, 4th, and 6th degrees (B-D-F).

3. iii - C major: The mediant chord, possessing a brighter sound than the minor chords, adding a touch of color and contrast. It's built from the 3rd, 5th and 7th degrees (C-E-G).

4. iv - Dm (D minor): The subdominant chord, creating a strong sense of expectation and resolution to the tonic. It's built using the 4th, 6th, and 8th (octave) degrees (D-F-A).

5. v - Em (E minor): The dominant chord, generating significant tension and a strong pull towards the tonic. It's built from the 5th, 7th and 9th (octave) degrees (E-G-B).

6. vi - F major: The submediant chord, like the iii chord, introduces a brighter element and often functions as a passing chord. It's built using the 6th, 8th and 10th (octave) degrees (F-A-C).

7. vii° - G diminished: The leading-tone chord, a diminished triad that strongly resolves to the tonic. It's built using the 7th, 9th and 11th (octave) degrees (G-B-D).

III. Chords in the Harmonic Minor Scale

The harmonic minor scale's raised 7th degree dramatically alters the character of the vii chord. Let's again use A harmonic minor (A, B, C, D, E, F, G#) as our example:

The chords i-vi remain the same as in the natural minor scale, but the vii chord changes significantly:

1. i - Am (A minor): Remains the same as the natural minor.

2. ii - Bm (B minor): Remains the same as the natural minor.

3. iii - C major: Remains the same as the natural minor.

4. iv - Dm (D minor): Remains the same as the natural minor.

5. v - Em (E minor): Remains the same as the natural minor.

6. vi - F major: Remains the same as the natural minor.

7. vii° - G# diminished: The raised 7th degree transforms the diminished chord into a G# diminished, creating a stronger leading tone effect, intensifying the pull towards the tonic.

IV. Chords in the Melodic Minor Scale

The melodic minor scale, with its altered 6th and 7th degrees, introduces more complexity. Using A melodic minor (A, B, C, D, E, F#, G#) as an example:

The ascending melodic minor scale chords often sound more major-like due to the raised 6th and 7th degrees.

1. i - Am (A minor): Often used as a tonic chord in the ascending form.

2. ii - Bm (B minor): Can sound less stable than in the natural minor.

3. iii - C major: A major chord adding brightness.

4. iv - D major: The raised 6th degree transforms this chord into a major chord, adding a brighter sound than in the natural minor.

5. v - E minor: Usually maintains the same function as in other minor scales.

6. vi - F# major: The raised 6th creates a major chord, significantly influencing the harmonic color.

7. vii° - G# diminished: The raised 7th degree results in a diminished chord that functions similar to that in the harmonic minor.

When descending in the melodic minor scale, the chords revert back to those of the natural minor scale.

V. Functions and Applications of Minor Chords

The function of each chord within a minor scale is largely determined by its relationship to the tonic. Understanding these functions is vital for creating compelling progressions and improvisations.

• Tonic (i): Provides stability and resolution.

• Subdominant (iv): Creates a sense of anticipation leading to the tonic.

• Dominant (v): Generates tension that strongly resolves to the tonic.

• Submediant (vi): Often acts as a passing chord or provides a contrasting color.

• Mediant (iii) & Supertonic (ii): These chords add color and variety. Their use depends on the specific context and desired effect.

• Leading Tone (vii°): Creates a strong pull towards the tonic, adding urgency and resolution.

VI. Beyond Triads: Seventh Chords and Beyond

While we've primarily focused on triads (three-note chords), incorporating seventh chords significantly expands harmonic possibilities. Each triad in the minor scale can be extended into a seventh chord. This adds more complexity and color to the harmony. For instance, a minor seventh chord (min7), major seventh chord (maj7), and diminished seventh chord (dim7) can be constructed from each scale degree. Experimentation with these extended chords reveals an array of new harmonic colors and potential musical expressions.

VII. Modulation and Chromaticism

Mastering minor chords allows for smooth modulations between different keys and the effective use of chromaticism – notes outside the current scale. Chromatic passing chords, temporary borrowing of notes from other keys, add color and tension, enriching the harmonic language.

VIII. Emotional Impact and Genre Applications

Minor chords evoke a wide range of emotions, from sadness and melancholy to mystery and suspense. The choice of minor scale and the specific chord progressions significantly impact the overall mood. Different genres utilize minor chords in diverse ways:

• Blues: Frequently employs the natural minor and harmonic minor scales, featuring dominant seventh chords and blues notes for a characteristic sound.

• Jazz: Employs a wide range of minor chords, including altered dominants and substitutions for complex harmonies and improvisations.

• Classical Music: Minor keys and chords play a significant role in expressing a wide spectrum of emotions, from sorrow and introspection to drama and intensity.

• Pop and Rock: Minor chords are used extensively to create a variety of moods, from somber ballads to energetic anthems.

IX. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: What is the difference between a natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scale?

  A: The natural minor scale is the basic form. The harmonic minor raises the 7th degree, creating a strong leading tone. The melodic minor raises both the 6th and 7th degrees in the ascending form, creating a smoother melody.

• Q: How do I identify the chords in a minor key?

  A: Build triads using the 1st, 3rd, and 5th degrees of the chosen minor scale. The seventh chords are constructed by adding a seventh interval to these triads.

• Q: Which minor chords are most commonly used?

  A: The tonic (i), subdominant (iv), and dominant (v) chords are the most common and fundamental chords in any minor key progression.

• Q: Can I mix chords from different types of minor scales within a single song?

  A: Yes, mixing chords from different minor scales adds complexity and interest to the music. However, ensure that the transitions between these chords are smooth and logical to avoid creating jarring or dissonant sounds. Carefully consider the overall effect you want to achieve.

• Q: How do I practice understanding chords in minor scales?

  A: Practice building chords on the piano or guitar using different minor scales. Experiment with chord progressions. Try transcribing existing songs in minor keys to analyze their chord usage. Also try composing your own simple pieces using the knowledge you’ve gained.

X. Conclusion

Mastering chords within minor scales unlocks a world of musical expression. By understanding their construction, function, and emotional impact, musicians can create richer, more nuanced, and evocative compositions. This guide provides a foundational understanding, but continued practice, experimentation, and listening to diverse musical styles will further enhance your grasp of the rich harmonic possibilities offered by minor keys. Remember, the journey of musical exploration is continuous, and the deeper you delve into the intricacies of harmony, the more rewarding your musical journey becomes.