Piano Scales: C Minor Scale Practice: Natural, Melodic, Harmonic (MP3s)

Lesson Goal: To quickly internalize the C Minor Scale (Natural, Melodic, Harmonic)… by ear, intellect, eye, and muscle…

Table of Contents

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C Minor Pentascale

Before we explore the differences between the Natural Minor, Melodic Minor, and Harmonic Minor scales, realize that all three minor scales share the exact same pentascale…

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C Natural Minor Scale

Three flats (Bb, Eb, Ab) is the key signature used for C minor tonal music…

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C Melodic Minor Scale

The defining notes for the melodic minor scale are 6(La)-7(Ti) going up & b7(Te)-b6(Le) going down, which sounds and feels more melodically pleasing in some musical contexts. Notice that 6(La) & 7(Ti) are the same notes used in the parallel major scale…

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C Harmonic Minor Scale

The defining note for the exotic sounding harmonic minor scale is the leading tone 7 (Ti), which creates strong harmonic tension that craves resolution back to the tonic…

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C Minor Scale Play along Tracks

Here is some possible renditions for the C Natural, Melodic, and Harmonic Minor Scales showing the letter names, scale degrees, and solfege along with an appropriate chord accompaniment…

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Please tell Frank if you’d like to see a similar lesson in other keys!