Unit 2: Fundamentals of Minor Tonality and Melodic Structure

Natural Minor Scale

The foundational form of the minor scale with no altered notes, characterized by the formula W - H - W - W - H - W - W.

Harmonic Minor Scale

A minor scale variation created by raising the 7th scale degree, resulting in an augmented 2nd interval between the lowered 6th and raised 7th.

Melodic Minor Scale

A minor scale that raises both the 6th and 7th degrees when ascending and reverts to the natural minor when descending.

Relative Minor

A minor key that shares the same key signature as its corresponding Major key and is located a minor 3rd down from the Major tonic.

Parallel Minor

A minor key that shares the same tonic as its Major counterpart but has a different key signature.

Key Signature

A notation that indicates which notes are sharp or flat in a piece, specific to the Natural Minor scale.

Leading Tone

The 7th scale degree in the Harmonic and Melodic Minor scales, a half step below the tonic, which resolves up to the tonic.

Subtonic

The 7th scale degree in the Natural Minor scale, a whole step below the tonic, often found in sequences.

Conjunct Motion

Melodic movement by step, typically intervals of a 2nd, resulting in smooth and singable melodies.

Disjunct Motion

Melodic movement by skip or leap, usually involving larger intervals such as thirds or larger.

Augmented 2nd Interval

The interval created between the lowered 6th and raised 7th in the Harmonic Minor scale, which is difficult to sing melodically.

Tonic

The first scale degree, serving as the stable home base for a key in music.

Supertonic

The second scale degree, which plays a predominant function in harmonic progressions.

Mediant

The third scale degree, which defines the modality of the scale.

Dominant

The fifth scale degree, acting as a harmonic anchor in music.

Submediant

The sixth scale degree, which has a tendency to resolve down to the dominant.

Scale Degrees

A sequence of notes in a scale numbered by their position, often labeled with numerical identifiers like 1, 2, 3, etc.

Contemporary Melodic Contours

Patterns of melodic motion, such as ascending, descending, or arching forms within a melody.

Minor Key Signature Determination

Identify the relative major by going up a minor 3rd from the minor tonic and referring to the Circle of Fifths.

Harmonic Cadence (V-i)

A chord progression that emphasizes the strong pull from the dominant to the tonic in minor keys.

Mistakes in Key Signatures

Common errors include misidentifying the key due to confusing sharps and flats without checking the tonic.

Melodic Functionality

The role and behavior of scale degrees within a melody, including tendency tones and their resolutions.

Descension of Melodic Minor

When descending, the Melodic Minor scale behaves like the Natural Minor, differing only in its ascending form.

Accidentals

Sharps, flats, or naturals indicated in a musical score, applicable to harmonic and melodic variations but not included in the key signature.

Harmonic Minor Use

Identifying the presence of a harmonic minor refers to the existence of a raised leading tone in the melody.

Common Pitfalls in Minor Key Analysis

Mistakes often made in music theory regarding minor keys, such as confounding leading tones with subtonics.