How to Learn the Minor Scales
Learning the major and minor scales are often the first steps a musician takes to become familiar with their instrument. Although many musicians learn by ear and know little theory, it is highly recommended to study the minor scales. Learning scales can open up a musical road map which can make it easier to improvise and solo. Although this will take time and practice, the effort will pay off in the end.
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Instructions
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Choose an instrument to play. Studying minor scales that are specific to your instrument will make the learning process much easier. For instance if you are learning guitar, it is recommended to learn the minor scale patterns for the guitar fret board rather than on a piano.
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Learn the major scales first. In order to have an understanding of the minor scales, you must first know how the major scales are constructed. Minor scales are formed by flattening the 3rd and 7th notes of the major scale.
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Understand relative minor scales. Every major scale has a relative minor. A relative minor scale is two steps below the major scale. For example the relative minor of G major would be E minor. Besides the root note, the scale stays the same. By learning a major scale you are also learning a relative minor scale at the same time.
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Use your ear. The minor scales have a much sadder tone to them than the major scales. If the tone sounds happy, then you are most likely playing in a major scale.
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Play over a minor scale rhythm. Record yourself playing a minor scale chord progression. Solo over the progression in the key that is being played. For example if the progression is Amin, Cmaj, Emin, you would solo in A minor.
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Tips & Warnings
There are variations to the minor scale such as harmonic minor and melodic minor.
