minor mode

noun

, Music.

1. a scale or key in which the third degree is a minor third above the tonic.

minor mode

noun

1. music any arrangement of notes present in or characteristic of a minor scale or key

Word History and Origins

Origin of minor mode¹

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

This mode, it is obvious, is based on the scale which is the descending scale of the modern Minor mode.

From Project Gutenberg

Let us take a concrete example: the change from the major to the minor mode carries with it a change of sentiment.

From Project Gutenberg

Lest this should become monotonous a musician played a melody in the minor mode and not without a strange haunting charm.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus it appears as a major scale with a diminished second and a minor sixth, a sort of major-minor mode.

From Project Gutenberg

The minor mode is that of keys in which the tonic triad and one other cardinal triad are minor.

From Project Gutenberg