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Grade 3 - Minor Scales (Part 2)

Master Grade 3 minor scales. Compare natural, harmonic, and melodic forms, then practise the melodic minor's ascending raises and descending return to natural for smooth, musical lines.

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Fascinating Fact:

Melodic minor tip: raise 6 and 7 while ascending for smoother melody, then return to natural minor when descending. Think up bright, down natural.

In Specialist Music Theory at Grade 3, you explore natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales. You will learn why melodic minor changes when going up and down, and how to write each form correctly.

Key Terms

Melodic minor: Minor scale that raises the 6th and 7th ascending, then usually returns to natural minor descending.
Natural minor: The basic minor pattern that does not raise the 6th or 7th.
Harmonic minor: Minor scale that raises only the 7th to create a strong leading note.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What changes in the melodic minor scale when ascending?

When ascending, the melodic minor raises the 6th and 7th degrees. This smooths the stepwise motion and avoids the wide gap found in harmonic minor.

Do we change notes when descending in melodic minor?

Yes. Descending melodic minor normally returns to the natural minor form, lowering the 7th and 6th back to their original pitches.

How is harmonic minor different from melodic minor?

Harmonic minor raises only the 7th both ways, creating a strong leading note. Melodic minor raises 6th and 7th up, then uses natural minor when descending.