Last Updated on 12 August 2023 by Victoria Williams
In this lesson we will look two types of minor scales, the harmonic minor and the melodic minor in the keys of G minor and B minor.
- The harmonic minor has the pattern T-S-T-T-S-3S-S (3S = 3 semitones).
- The melodic minor has one pattern on the way up and another on the way down:
- Ascending (from bottom): T-S-T-T-T-T-S
- Descending (from top): T-T-S-T-T-S-T
If you find it difficult to remember all the patterns of tones and semitones, try this method instead: learn the notes of three types of minor scale for A minor – they are easy to learn. Then write out the A minor scale and calculate whether each step is a tone (whole step), semitone (half step) or three semitones (three half steps). Then use the same pattern as a guide, to write out a new scale in a different key.
B minor harmonic scale
B minor melodic scale
G minor harmonic scale
G minor melodic scale
Scales Exercises
Hover your mouse over the questions (tap on mobiles) to reveal the answers.
Write the scale:
B minor melodic ascending
Add the correct clef and any necessary sharp or flat signs to make each of the scales named below. Don’t use key signatures.
E minor harmonic
A minor melodic
Bb major
Name the key:
1. 
2. 