Our A minor pentatonic and A natural minor scales by contrast feature a b7th interval, or G natural. So the Harmonic Minor’s G# sits perfectly over the E7 chord, outlining its major 3rd.

The Hungarian Gypsy is our next minor scale and is very dark sounding, with its formula of R-2-b3-#4-5-b6-7. This scale is great for composing sinister-sounding riffs and licks, and has been used ...

The terms relative major and relative minor are used to described two keys and scales which share all the same notes and the same key signature. This means that it is common to modulate or change ...

At the same time, in the major-minor scale with the diatonic subdominant, there is no such struggle—the tonic reigns supreme and unchallenged. This is why the major-minor scale system is much more ...

Talk of Major and Minor scales conjure up images of dry, dusty, bewigged baroque musicians from centuries past, the nightmare of childhood piano lessons, or baffling overheard discussions in jazz ...