minor scale

American  

noun

1. Also called harmonic minor scale.  a scale having half steps between the second and third, fifth and sixth, and seventh and eighth degrees, with whole steps for the other intervals.

2. Also called melodic minor scale.  a scale having the third degree lowered a half step when ascending, and the seventh, sixth, and third degrees lowered a half step when descending.

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Etymology

Origin of minor scale

First recorded in 1885–90

Compare meaning

How does minor-scale compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• major scale vs. minor scale

Example Sentences

Musically, trot is defined by its frequent use of minor scales and a distinctive vocal style marked by heavy vibrato and kkeokgi - a technique that bends notes to heighten emotional expression.

From BBC

But it’s a more difficult song to nail because it’s wordy, Glass said, “and the melody descends in a minor scale which may take some skill.”

From Los Angeles Times

In Western culture, we predominantly use the major and minor scales.

From Literature

But music that is in D minor will have a different quality, because the notes in the minor scale follow a different pattern and so have different relationships with each other.

From Literature

"In this exam: She needs to play three pieces by memory, two pieces read music, technique requirements in major, minor scales, ear training, sight-reading, rhythm clap back, listening and playback and etc."

From Fox News