Melodic Minor, Natural Minor, & Harmonic Minor ♪ ♪ ♪

[Teddie_Keys]

I am really trying to get an understanding of these 3 minor scales.  I am going to post what I know, and if anyone
(T-Block) has any additional knowledge. Please drop a post.

Natural Minor ♪

i - ii° - III - iv - v - VI - VII   - or -   minor, diminished, major, minor, minor, major, major

(ex. Key of C - Cm, Ddim, Eb Maj, Fm, Gm, A Maj, B Maj)

Melodic Minor ♪

i - ii - III+ - IV - V - vi° - vii°  -  or  -  minor, minor, augmented, major, major, diminished, diminished

(ex. Key of C - Cm, Dm, Ebaug, F Maj, G Maj, Adim, Bdim)

Harmonic Minor ♪

i - ii° - III+ - iv - V - VI - vii°  - or -  minor, diminished, augmented, minor, major, major, diminished

(ex. Key of C - Cm, Ddim, Ebaug, Fm, G Maj, A Maj, Bdim)

Now I am thinking that the Natural Minor scale is what is most commonly used in gospel music.  Has anyone used the Harmonic or Melodic minor scale in there playing.  If so, what kind of vibe does it give.  I am at work at the moment and have not ever ran through the scale.

A little tip for those who may not know.  Alt+0176 gives you the degree sign! 

[chevonee]

Looks like you're well on your way Teddie_Keys . I'm still trying to put two and two together when it comes to "Melodic Minor, Natural Minor, & Harmonic Minor". The only thing that I know is what you mentioned and what I read in the Gospel Music Hangout- The LGM Ultimate Theory Post I look forward to learning more about this from you and my fellow LGMers. Remain blessed!

[T-Block]

Gotcha covered bro: 

Minor Scales:  http://www.learngospelmusic.com/forums/index.php/topic,37735.0.html

Minor Scale Chords:  http://www.learngospelmusic.com/forums/index.php/topic,37752.0.html

Now I am thinking that the Natural Minor scale is what is most commonly used in gospel music.  Has anyone used the Harmonic or Melodic minor scale in there playing.  If so, what kind of vibe does it give.  I am at work at the moment and have not ever ran through the scale.

The vibe that u get from using harmonic and melodic minor is a more majorish sound while still being in minor.  Since u raising the 7th for harmonic and the 6th & 7th for melodic, u creating stronger progressional movements.  Example:

1-4-5 in C natural minor

C / C-Eb-G
F / C-F-Ab
G / G-Bb-D

Now, when u move to harmonic minor, u raise the 7th scale degree of the natural minor.  So, in Cm u will be playing a B instead of a Bb.  Here's that progression:

1-4-5 in C harmonic minor

C / C-Eb-G
F / C-F-Ab
G / G-B-D

I bet u can hear the difference already.  Now, when u move to melodic minor (ascending), ur gonna keep the raised 7th from the harmonic minor, but now u gonna add a raised 6th.  In Cm u wil be playing an A instead of an Ab.  Here's that progression:

1-4-5 in C melodic minor (ascending)

C / C-Eb-G
F / C-F-A
G / G-B-D

U here how close it sounds to being C major?  That's what the various minor scales do, they create more tonicization, or more stronger pull to 1.  I use these all the time when I'm in a minor key, especially the harmonic minor.

[chevonee]

Gotcha covered bro: 

Minor Scales:  http://www.learngospelmusic.com/forums/index.php/topic,37735.0.html

Minor Scale Chords:  http://www.learngospelmusic.com/forums/index.php/topic,37752.0.html

The vibe that u get from using harmonic and melodic minor is a more majorish sound while still being in minor.  Since u raising the 7th for harmonic and the 6th & 7th for melodic, u creating stronger progressional movements.  Example:

1-4-5 in C natural minor

C / C-Eb-G
F / C-F-Ab
G / G-Bb-D

Now, when u move to harmonic minor, u raise the 7th scale degree of the natural minor.  So, in Cm u will be playing a B instead of a Bb.  Here's that progression:

1-4-5 in C harmonic minor

C / C-Eb-G
F / C-F-Ab
G / G-B-D

I bet u can hear the difference already.  Now, when u move to melodic minor (ascending), ur gonna keep the raised 7th from the harmonic minor, but now u gonna add a raised 6th.  In Cm u wil be playing an A instead of an Ab.  Here's that progression:

1-4-5 in C melodic minor (ascending)

C / C-Eb-G
F / C-F-A
G / G-B-D

U here how close it sounds to being C major?  That's what the various minor scales do, they create more tonicization, or more stronger pull to 1.  I use these all the time when I'm in a minor key, especially the harmonic minor.

I wanna be like you when I grow up!!!

[luke cage]

this is great thanks alot.

[ShadowPhace]

Time to hit the theory books again......

[chevonee]

Time to hit the theory books again......

I know thats right, this lets me know that I have so much MORE to learn