Music theory definition
Minor
A family of scales and chords with a different sound from major. A basic minor chord has its middle note one half step lower than the major version.
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Play the example and listen for the idea described above.
Learn it in context
This term is introduced in Unit 7: Minor scales. Work through the explanations and exercises to connect the definition with music.
- Natural minor
The darker sibling of the major scale.
- Harmonic minor
Raising the 7th to create a leading tone.
- Melodic minor
Smoothing out the climb.
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- Chord quality trainer
Hear a chord and name its quality: major, minor, diminished, augmented, or a seventh chord.
Related music terms
- Natural minor
- The minor scale straight from the key signature: W H W W H W W.
- Harmonic minor
- Natural minor with the 7th raised, giving a leading tone.
- Melodic minor
- Minor with the 6th and 7th raised going up (and natural minor coming down).