Fiveable
Fiveable

Minor Keys

Definition

Minor keys are musical scales that have a different pattern of whole and half steps compared to major keys. They often create a sad or melancholic mood in music.

Analogy

Think of minor keys as the "emo" version of major keys. Just like how some people express their emotions through dark clothing and moody music, minor keys express their emotions through a different set of notes.

Related terms

Relative Major Key: The relative major key is the major key that shares the same key signature as its corresponding minor key. For example, A minor is the relative minor key of C major.

Harmonic Minor Scale: The harmonic minor scale is a variation of the natural minor scale where the seventh note is raised by a half step. This alteration creates tension and adds richness to melodies in minor keys.

Melodic Minor Scale: The melodic minor scale is another variation of the natural minor scale where both the sixth and seventh notes are raised by a half step when ascending, but revert back to their original positions when descending. This scale allows for more flexibility in creating melodies within a minor key.

"Minor Keys" appears in:



© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.