The last page mentioned the major scale, the natural minor, and the melodic minor scale. This page deals with the harmonic minor scale. The harmonic minor scale is the one used the most in our music of today.Intervals may be mentioned. For more information view lesson #1447 Intervals.
The last type of minor scale is the one that we need to be concerned with because this is where the diminished triad first appears in normal usage. The harmonic minor goes up and comes down the same way. Play the example of the harmonic minor in the next diagram. The notes in the harmonic minor scale are A, B, C, D, E, F, G#, A, G#, F, E, D, C, B, A. Diagrams of the ascending and descending melodic minor, the natural minor and the major scale are given. Play each.
The diminished triad occurs naturally on (1) the vii degree of the following scales:harmonic minor, melodic minor (ascending form), and major scale (2)the vi degree of the melodic minor scale (ascending form)(3) the ii degree of the harmonic and natural minor scales.Each minor triad is formed of a minor third and a major 3rd. The major third superimposed upon the minor thirdr. A minor third has the distance of 1 1/2 steps, or 3 frets forming the minor 3rd.A major third has the distance of 2 whole steps, or 4 frets.
The notes that form minor 3rds are: A to C, B to D, D to F, E to G, F# to A, G# to B.
In review, the vii of major, and ii of natural minor, start on B. Forming the diminished triad. B, D and F.
The vi of melodic starts on F# forming the diminished triad. F#, A, C.
