#Melodic minor scales guitar how to

With the raised seventh tone, the harmonic minor scale now has a stronger need to resolve up to the tonic вЂ“ exactly the same way the leading tone (7th degree) of a major scale resolves. This scale variation has a unique, almost snake-charmer quality. In the harmonic minor scale, there are still half steps between 2 to 3 and 5 to 6, however, the 7th degree is raised one half step resulting in a half step from 7 to 8 also. When a major key and a minor key contain exactly the same notes (the key signature will be the same also), theyвЂ™re termed relative keys.

By the way, the major keys should be noted by upper case letters, and minor keys by lower case letters. Note that the вЂaвЂ™ minor scale, below, has exactly the same notes as the C major scale. Unlike the major scales for guitar, the half steps occur between degrees 2 to 3 and 5 to 6 in the natural minor scale. Again, all of the forms are diatonic, so the alternating line and space rule still applies. Natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales have been used in classical music for centuries, and theyвЂ™re all used in modern music as well. Whereas major scales have a bright, happy sound, minor scales sound sad and somber. Minor scales for guitar also follow a strict pattern of whole and half steps, however, they can be somewhat confusing since there are three types of scales, each with a different pattern. Depending upon your point of view, theyвЂ™re equally as important, especially in the metal, hard rock, alternative, and blues genres. But, for now, letвЂ™s explore minor scales. And, in Part 3, youвЂ™ll see how they are the foundation for chord construction and harmony.

#Melodic minor scales guitar how to

In Part I of this Music Theory for Guitar series, you learned how to construct and play major scales in the five primary positions on the fret board. So, I hope you enjoy my contributions to this fantastic website, and I wish you continued success! I tutor math and English once in awhile, too. Teaching music is my primary focus, but, since I minored in English in school, I enjoy writing as well вЂ“ especially music articles and lessons. I strive to provide my students with the same level of musical knowledge, encouragement, and inspiration that will last a lifetime. Every rock and jazz instructor played an integral role in my development as a guitar player and teacher, and I still highly value their collective mentorship. Over the years, IвЂ™ve had the good fortune to study with many accomplished musicians including Elliott Randall of Steely Dan fame (ReelinвЂ™ in the Years and others). Too bad, huh? I know I made the right career choice вЂ“ I traded metallurgy for metal, I guess. And, I canвЂ™t forget the Yardbirds вЂ“ Jeff Beck was вЂin hospitalвЂ™ that day, so Jimmy Page assumed the lead guitar duties. Perhaps, my decision was prompted by having attended live performances by Jimi Hendrix, Robin Trower, Muddy Waters, Johnny Winter, Mountain, Ten Years After, Jefferson Airplane, Iron Butterfly, and the list goes on and on.

The budding age of rock вЂnвЂ™ roll was just beginning to take shape back then, in the вЂ60вЂ™s вЂ“ and, it was a lot more fun than classical piano.ДЄfter two years of metallurgical engineering school at Ohio State University, I opted to continue my education at the University of DenverвЂ™s Lamont School of Music in the modern guitar program. I began my piano studies at age six, but later changed my focus to guitar upon entering high school. Residing in Denver, Colorado, I have over thirty years experience as a private music instructor specializing in guitar, piano, and college-prep music theory.