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A minor scale

Engraved by Verovio 6.3.0-425dd7b 1  =  80 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 2 4 3 2 1 3 2 1 3 5 4 3 2 1 3 2 1 4 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 5 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 5 4 3 2 1 3 2 1 6 4 3 2 1 3 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 7 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 5 4 3 2 1 3 2 1 8 4 3 2 1 3 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 9 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 5 4 3 2 1 3 2 1 10 4 3 2 1 3 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5
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How to play the A minor scale

Right hand: start on A with finger 1, then tuck your thumb under to play D.

Left hand: start on A with finger 5, then cross finger 3 over your thumb to play F.

Coming down, use the same fingers in reverse order. Start with each hand alone at a slow tempo, and play hands together only once both feel even.

Chords in A minor

Degree Chord Notes
i Am A C E
ii° B° B D F
III C C E G
iv Dm D F A
v Em E G B
VI F F A C
VII G G B D

Most music in A minor uses E ( E G♯ B) for the V chord instead, borrowed from the harmonic minor. Its raised note pulls strongly back to A.

Three kinds of minor

Natural minor: A B C D E F G A. Uses only the notes of the key signature, the same notes as its relative major.

Harmonic minor: A B C D E F G♯ A. Raises the 7th note by a half step, which gives the scale its strong pull back to the tonic.

Melodic minor: A B C D E F♯ G♯ A. Raises the 6th and 7th going up, then comes down as the natural minor.

See all 24 major and minor scales.