Major vs Minor Scales 1

1. A "major" scale becomes "minor" when you "flatten the third" - the 3rd note in the major scale. But that is an oversimplification because there are several different versions of minor scales.


2. The Relative Minor Scale has all the same notes as its Relative Major Scale. For example, A miinor is the relative minor scale of C Major. The two most important defining characteristics of the relative minor scale is that 1) its root is the 6th note of the major scale, and 2) all the other notes are the same as its relative major. Consider this example:
   
   
   
3. Because of this, the normal sequence of intervals is different for minor scales, as illustrated below:
   
   
   
   This results in the 3rd, 6th and 7th degrees (notes) being "flattened" when compared to the Major Chord (A Major in this case). This is called the Natural Minor Scale.



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