Intervals In A Minor Scale

Understanding Intervals in the Minor Scale: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding intervals is fundamental to music theory. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of intervals within the minor scale, exploring their construction, function, and application in musical composition and analysis. Whether you're a beginner striving to grasp the basics or an experienced musician looking to refine your understanding, this article will provide a thorough exploration of intervals within the minor natural, harmonic, and melodic forms. We’ll uncover the unique characteristics of each interval and how they contribute to the expressive power of minor key music.

Introduction to Intervals

Before diving into the specifics of minor scales, let's establish a foundational understanding of intervals themselves. An interval is the distance between two notes. It's measured by counting the number of letter names between the notes, including the starting note. For instance, the interval between C and E is a major third (C-D-E: three letter names). Intervals are also classified by their quality: major, minor, perfect, augmented, and diminished. This quality reflects the specific distance in half-steps between the notes. A half-step is the smallest interval in Western music (e.g., C to C#).

The Minor Scale Family: Natural, Harmonic, and Melodic

The minor scale isn't a single entity but a family of scales, each with distinct characteristics impacting its intervals. The three primary types are:

Natural Minor: This is the simplest form, built with a pattern of whole and half steps: W-H-W-W-H-W-W. It has a characteristically melancholic sound.
Harmonic Minor: This scale modifies the natural minor by raising the 7th degree by a half-step. This creates a characteristic "leading tone" that strongly pulls towards the tonic (the starting note). This alteration significantly affects the intervals involving the 7th degree.
Melodic Minor: This scale has two forms: ascending and descending. The ascending form raises both the 6th and 7th degrees, creating a smoother, more major-like sound. The descending form usually reverts to the natural minor pattern. This results in different intervals depending on whether you are ascending or descending.

Intervals in the Natural Minor Scale

Let's examine the intervals in the natural minor scale using C minor as an example (C-D-Eb-F-G-Ab-Bb-C). Remember, the interval names are relative to the root (C in this case).

Root (Unison): C to C – a perfect unison (0 half steps)
Second (Minor Second): C to D♭ – a minor second (1 half step)
Second (Major Second): C to D – a major second (2 half steps)
Third (Minor Third): C to Eb – a minor third (3 half steps)
Fourth (Perfect Fourth): C to F – a perfect fourth (5 half steps)
Fifth (Perfect Fifth): C to G – a perfect fifth (7 half steps)
Sixth (Minor Sixth): C to Ab – a minor sixth (8 half steps)
Seventh (Minor Seventh): C to Bb – a minor seventh (10 half steps)
Octave (Perfect Octave): C to C – a perfect octave (12 half steps)

Notice that the natural minor scale contains minor seconds, thirds, sixths, and sevenths, contributing to its characteristic somber quality. The perfect intervals (fourths and fifths) remain unchanged compared to the major scale, but their context within the minor scale gives them a different expressive character.

Intervals in the Harmonic Minor Scale

The harmonic minor scale, with its raised 7th degree, significantly alters certain intervals. Using C harmonic minor (C-D-Eb-F-G-Ab-B-C), we see these changes:

Root (Unison): C to C – a perfect unison (0 half steps)
Second (Major Second): C to D – a major second (2 half steps)
Third (Minor Third): C to Eb – a minor third (3 half steps)
Fourth (Perfect Fourth): C to F – a perfect fourth (5 half steps)
Fifth (Perfect Fifth): C to G – a perfect fifth (7 half steps)
Sixth (Minor Sixth): C to Ab – a minor sixth (8 half steps)
Seventh (Major Seventh): C to B – a major seventh (11 half steps) (Key Change)
Octave (Perfect Octave): C to C – a perfect octave (12 half steps)

The crucial difference lies in the major seventh interval. This creates a strong pull toward the tonic, adding a characteristic tension and resolution to the scale. This major seventh is a significant element in the harmonic minor's distinctive sound.

Intervals in the Melodic Minor Scale

The melodic minor scale's ascending form (again, using C melodic minor as an example: C-D-Eb-F-G-A-B-C) further modifies intervals, especially in the upper register:

Root (Unison): C to C – a perfect unison (0 half steps)
Second (Major Second): C to D – a major second (2 half steps)
Third (Minor Third): C to Eb – a minor third (3 half steps)
Fourth (Perfect Fourth): C to F – a perfect fourth (5 half steps)
Fifth (Perfect Fifth): C to G – a perfect fifth (7 half steps)
Sixth (Major Sixth): C to A – a major sixth (9 half steps) (Key Change)
Seventh (Major Seventh): C to B – a major seventh (11 half steps) (Key Change)
Octave (Perfect Octave): C to C – a perfect octave (12 half steps)

The ascending melodic minor features a major sixth and a major seventh, giving it a brighter, more major-like character. The descending form usually returns to the natural minor pattern, reverting the intervals to their natural minor counterparts.

Applying Intervallic Knowledge in Minor Key Compositions

Understanding these intervallic relationships is crucial for composing and analyzing music in minor keys. The specific intervals used dictate the emotional character and harmonic direction of a piece.

Creating melodic lines: Knowing the intervals helps create melodic lines that are both expressive and structurally sound within the chosen minor scale. The use of major intervals within a minor scale can create tension and release, while minor intervals maintain the somber quality.
Constructing chords: Chords are built using specific intervals stacked on top of each other. Understanding intervals allows you to build minor chords (i, iv, v, etc.) and other chords that function effectively within a minor key. The use of borrowed chords from the parallel major or relative major also involves understanding the intervallic relationships between the keys.
Analyzing harmonic progressions: By identifying the intervals between chords in a progression, you can understand the harmonic function and overall direction of the music. The characteristic intervallic jumps in a minor key progression often create unique harmonic effects.
Improvisation: Knowing the intervals within a minor scale is critical for improvisation. It allows you to create melodic lines that are both musically consistent and expressive, effectively navigating the harmonic landscape of a minor key.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between a major and minor interval?

A: The difference lies primarily in the distance between the notes. A major interval is wider than its corresponding minor interval by a half step. For example, a major third spans four half-steps, while a minor third spans three.

Q: Why are there three types of minor scales?

A: The different types of minor scales address different musical needs and aesthetic preferences. The natural minor is the most basic form, while the harmonic and melodic minor scales adjust the seventh degree (and in the case of melodic minor, the sixth degree as well) to create different harmonic and melodic characteristics.

Q: Can I use intervals from one minor scale type in another?

A: Yes, borrowing intervals from one minor scale type into another is a common compositional technique. This can create interesting harmonic effects and add color to your music. However, it’s important to be aware of the implications of these changes.

Q: How do augmented and diminished intervals fit into this?

A: Augmented intervals are wider than major or perfect intervals by a half-step, while diminished intervals are narrower than minor or perfect intervals by a half-step. They can create a sense of tension or instability, often resolved by moving to a more stable interval.

Conclusion

Understanding intervals within the minor scale is a crucial aspect of musical proficiency. This guide has provided a detailed examination of intervals within the natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales, highlighting their unique characteristics and their applications in music composition and analysis. By mastering this knowledge, you'll significantly enhance your ability to create, analyze, and appreciate the expressive power of minor key music. Remember that the journey of learning music theory is ongoing. Consistent practice and exploration are key to developing a deep understanding of these concepts and unlocking your musical potential. Through active experimentation and careful listening, you will come to intuitively understand how the subtle differences in intervals shape the character of minor key music, allowing you to compose and perform with greater confidence and musical expression.