The Minor Scale

If you were writing a scale without accidentals before the notes, (like flats, sharps or naturals), you would put the key signature first, and that tells you which flats or sharps to use.

Each minor key shares a key signature with a major key. A minor key is called the 'relative minor' of the major key that has the same key signature. The minor scales start 3 semitones lower than the relative major scale.

So major scale of C - no sharps or flats - all the white notes of the piano.
Relative minor - 3 semitones down from C - is A minor.

Major scale of G - this has an F sharp in key signature.
Relative minor - 3 semitones down from G - is E minor.

Major scale of F - this has a B flat in the key signature.
Relative minor - 3 semitones down - is D minor.

 Lesson 3 

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