Capstone Update Journal/Blog of Progress: Week 3

Date: 2024-03-19
Title: Diving into Minor Scales and Their Variations

What I Planned to Accomplish by the End of the Week:

This week, my primary focus was to understand and practice minor scales. I aimed to learn the
fundamental differences between major and minor scales and delve into the three types of minor
scales: natural minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor. My goal was to gain a comprehensive
understanding of these scales, how they are constructed, and how they differ from each other.

My Needs:
- Time: Scheduled 1-2 hours daily for focused practice on minor scales.

- Space: A quiet practice area with my piano/keyboard for uninterrupted sessions.

- Materials: Piano/keyboard, scale charts, a notebook for observations, and online resources for
theoretical explanations and practical exercises.

- Personal Contacts: Continued guidance from my church pianist and additional online resources
such as Pianote and School of Rock for scale exercises and theory explanations.

Obstacles I Anticipate:
1. Finger Coordination: Adapting to the different finger patterns required for minor scales.

2. Memorization: Remembering the specific alterations in each type of minor scale.

3. Application: Being able to immediately recognize and apply minor scales when reading music
sheets.

Summary of My Progress for the Week:

What is a Minor Scale?
A minor scale is a series of seven notes that follows a specific pattern of whole steps and half
steps, creating a sound that is often described as sadder or more somber compared to major
scales. The minor scale starts with a root note and follows this interval pattern: whole, half,
whole, whole, half, whole, whole. This pattern gives the natural minor scale its distinctive sound.

What Is the Difference Between Major and Minor Scales?

The primary difference between major and minor scales lies in their interval patterns and the
emotional quality of their sound. While major scales are often associated with happy and bright
sounds, minor scales convey a darker, more melancholic mood.

- Major Scale Pattern: Whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half.

- Natural Minor Scale Pattern: Whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole.

 This difference in interval patterns affects the third, sixth, and seventh notes of the
scales, making them lower in minor scales compared to their major counterparts.

Three Types of Minor Scales

1. Natural Minor Scale: This is the most basic form of the minor scale, following the interval
pattern mentioned above.

2. Harmonic Minor Scale: This scale alters the natural minor by raising the seventh note by a
half step, creating a distinctive sound with an augmented second interval between the sixth and
seventh notes.

3. Melodic Minor Scale: This scale is unique in that it has different ascending and descending
forms. Ascending, it raises both the sixth and seventh notes by a half step compared to the
natural minor. Descending, it follows the natural minor pattern.
What Is the Natural Minor Scale?
The natural minor scale follows the pattern of whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole.
For example, the A natural minor scale is: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A. This scale has no sharps or
flats if starting from A, and it is the relative minor of the C major scale, meaning it shares the
same key signature.

What Is the Harmonic Minor Scale?

The harmonic minor scale raises the seventh note of the natural minor scale by a half step. For
example, the A harmonic minor scale is: A, B, C, D, E, F, G#, A. This raised seventh creates a
unique and somewhat exotic sound, especially due to the augmented second interval between the
sixth and seventh notes.

What Is the Melodic Minor Scale?

The melodic minor scale has different ascending and descending forms. Ascending, it raises
both the sixth and seventh notes by a half step. For example, the A melodic minor scale
ascending is: A, B, C, D, E, F#, G#, A. Descending, it reverts to the natural minor scale: A, G, F,
E, D, C, B, A. This dual nature gives the melodic minor scale a smooth and melodic quality
when played.

Core Skills Employed:

- Critical Thinking: Analyzing the interval patterns and understanding the structural differences
between major and minor scales.

- Self-directed Learning: Consistently practicing minor scales and seeking out resources to
deepen my understanding.

- Adaptability: Adjusting practice techniques based on the challenges faced during the week.

Challenges Encountered and How I Moved Forward:

1. Finger Coordination: Initially, adapting to the new finger patterns for minor scales was
challenging. I slowed down my practice, focusing on finger placement and transitions. I also
used Hanon exercises to improve my finger strength and agility.

2. Memorizing Alterations: Remembering the specific alterations in the harmonic and melodic
minor scales was difficult. I created visual aids, such as charts and diagrams, to visualize the
raised notes and practiced each scale slowly, gradually increasing speed as I became more
comfortable.

3. Application in Sight-Reading: Applying my knowledge to sight-reading music sheets with

minor key signatures was tricky. I practiced identifying minor scales and key signatures in
various pieces, playing through them slowly and gradually increasing the tempo as my
confidence grew.

Pictures and/or Video of Progress:

[Minor Scale Practice]

Caption: Practicing the A harmonic minor scale on my keyboard.

[Scale Notes](

Caption: Notes I made to remember the differences between natural, harmonic, and melodic
minor scales.

Reflection:
This week has been incredibly enlightening as I explored the world of minor scales.
Understanding the differences between major and minor scales, and the unique qualities of
natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales, has deepened my appreciation for music theory.
Overcoming the initial challenges of finger coordination and memorization has made me more
confident in my abilities and excited to tackle more complex musical pieces in the future.
Next Steps:
Next week, I plan to apply my knowledge of minor scales to learn a new piece of music that
incorporates these scales. I aim to practice integrating minor scales into my playing more fluidly
and explore how composers use these scales to convey different emotions in their music.

End of Journal Entry

Reference
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/minor-scale-guide