minor scale

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of minor scale¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

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

Because of this, most traditional and popular Western music uses major or minor scales rather than the chromatic or whole tone scales.

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

The teacher tried to explain where middle C was but I could already play all the major and minor scales, as well as tonic and dominant functions, and the circle of fifths.

From The Guardian