Chords In The Minor Scale

Understanding and Utilizing Chords in the Minor Scale

The minor scale, with its characteristic melancholic and expressive sound, is a cornerstone of music theory and composition. While major scales often evoke feelings of joy and optimism, minor scales provide a palette of darker, more introspective emotions. Understanding the chords within a minor scale is crucial for any musician wanting to write compelling and nuanced music, whether it's a simple song or a complex orchestral piece. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of minor scale chords, exploring their construction, function, and application in musical composition. We'll cover everything from the basic triads to more advanced seventh chords and their variations, providing practical examples and explanations along the way.

The Minor Scale: A Foundation of Feeling

Before diving into the chords, let's briefly review the minor scale itself. Unlike the major scale, which has a major third interval between its tonic and mediant, the minor scale features a minor third. This subtle difference drastically alters the overall mood and harmonic possibilities. There are three main types of minor scales:

Natural Minor: This is the most basic form, containing a minor third, a major third, a minor third, a major second, a minor third, a major second, and a major second. The formula is W-H-W-W-H-W-W, where 'W' represents a whole step and 'H' represents a half step.
Harmonic Minor: To create a stronger leading tone (a note a half step below the tonic), the seventh degree of the natural minor scale is raised by a half step. This creates a characteristic augmented second interval between the sixth and seventh degrees. The formula is W-H-W-W-H-WH.
Melodic Minor: This scale ascends with a major sixth and seventh, similar to the harmonic minor's leading tone. However, it descends using the natural minor scale pattern. The formula for ascending is W-H-W-W-W-W-H; descending is W-H-W-W-H-W-W.

Each type of minor scale has its unique harmonic implications, impacting the chord choices and overall sound. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective composition.

Building the Triads: The Foundation of Minor Harmony

The most basic chords in any scale are the triads – three-note chords built on the scale degrees. In a minor scale, these triads take on specific qualities:

i (minor): Built on the first degree (tonic), this is the tonic chord, the foundation of the minor key. It creates a sense of stability and resolution.
ii (minor): Built on the second degree, this is the supertonic chord. It often functions as a passing chord or leads to the dominant.
iii (major): Built on the third degree, this is the mediant chord. It provides a brighter, more major-sounding contrast to the overall minor tonality.
iv (minor): Built on the fourth degree, this is the subdominant chord. It creates a sense of anticipation before moving to the dominant.
v (major): Built on the fifth degree, this is the dominant chord. It's a very strong chord, creating a powerful pull towards the tonic.
vi (major): Built on the sixth degree, this is the submediant chord. It provides another major chord within the minor key, offering a contrasting feel.
vii° (diminished): Built on the seventh degree, this is the leading-tone chord. It's a diminished triad, often resolving strongly to the tonic.

Example in A Minor (Natural):

i: Am (A-C-E)
ii: Bm (B-D-F)
iii: Cmaj (C-E-G)
iv: Dm (D-F-A)
v: Emaj (E-G-B)
vi: Fmaj (F-A-C)
vii°: Gdim (G-B-D)

Adding Complexity: Seventh Chords in Minor

Moving beyond triads, seventh chords add significant harmonic richness and complexity. Each triad can be extended to a seventh chord by adding a seventh interval above the root. The type of seventh depends on the scale degree:

i(minor7): Am7 (A-C-E-G) - Tonic minor seventh chord, provides a darker, more sophisticated sound than the i triad.
ii(minor7): Bm7 (B-D-F-A) - Supertonic minor seventh chord, often used to transition.
iii(major7): Cmaj7 (C-E-G-B) - Mediant major seventh chord, bright and major-sounding.
iv(minor7): Dm7 (D-F-A-C) - Subdominant minor seventh chord, provides more depth than the iv triad.
v(major7): Emaj7 (E-G-B-D#) - Dominant major seventh chord, often altered for more tension.
vi(major7): Fmaj7 (F-A-C-E) - Submediant major seventh chord, adds complexity to the vi triad.
vii°(diminished7): Gdim7 (G-B-D-F) - Leading-tone diminished seventh chord, highly dissonant but resolves powerfully.

Altered Chords: Expanding the Harmonic Palette

The chords within a minor scale can be further manipulated by altering their notes, creating even more nuanced harmonic possibilities. Common alterations include:

Dominant Seventh Alterations: The V7 chord is often altered, particularly in jazz and blues contexts. Common alterations include raising the 5th (V7#5), lowering the 9th (V7b9), raising the 9th (V7#9), lowering the 5th and raising the 9th (V7b5#9), and others. These alterations add tension and color to the dominant function.
Minor Seventh Alterations: Minor seventh chords (i, ii, iv) can be altered by raising the 5th or adding extensions like 9ths and 11ths, creating a variety of colors and tensions.
Diminished Seventh Chords: Diminished seventh chords (vii°) are highly versatile and can function in multiple ways, often acting as chromatic passing chords or creating surprising harmonic shifts.

Analyzing and Applying Minor Chords in Music

Understanding the function of each chord within a minor scale is crucial for effective composition. Common progressions include:

i - iv - V - i: A basic and fundamental progression that provides a satisfying resolution.
ii - V - i: A very common progression that builds tension and resolves nicely.
vi - ii - V - i: This progression adds a more major-sounding feel before resolving to the tonic.
i - vi - iii - iv: A smoother progression that showcases the different qualities of the minor scale chords.

By experimenting with these progressions and altering the chords within them, composers can create a vast array of musical textures and emotions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales?

A: The difference lies primarily in the 6th and 7th degrees. Natural minor has a minor third and a major seventh. Harmonic minor raises the 7th degree by a half step, creating a leading tone. Melodic minor raises the 6th and 7th degrees when ascending, but uses the natural minor scale pattern when descending.

Q: Which minor scale chords are most commonly used?

A: The i, iv, V, and vi chords are most frequently used, providing a strong foundation for many minor key compositions.

Q: How can I identify a minor key?

A: The presence of a minor triad built on the tonic (i) is a strong indicator of a minor key. However, analyzing the entire piece, including the chords, melody, and rhythm, is crucial for accurate identification.

Q: What are some common minor key progressions?

A: Common progressions include i-iv-V-i, ii-V-i, vi-ii-V-i, and i-vi-iii-iv.

Q: Can I mix major and minor chords in a minor key?

A: Yes, mixing major and minor chords is common and effective in creating interesting musical tension and release. The iii and vi chords are major and often used to create contrast.

Conclusion: Mastering the Minor Key's Expressive Power

The minor scale, with its rich and varied harmonic possibilities, offers a vast landscape for musical exploration. Understanding the construction, function, and potential alterations of its chords is crucial for creating emotionally resonant and musically sophisticated compositions. From simple triads to complex altered seventh chords, the minor scale's flexibility allows for endless creative expression. By mastering the intricacies of minor key harmony, musicians can unlock a deeper level of musical understanding and craft truly compelling and memorable music. So, pick up your instrument, experiment with different chords and progressions, and explore the captivating world of minor key harmony! Remember to practice and listen to music in minor keys to enhance your understanding and develop your ear. The more you work with it, the more intuitive and effortless it will become.