MELODIC MINORS Meaning and
Definition
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Melodic minors refer to a specific musical scale that is derived from the natural minor scale. Also known as the jazz minor scale or the ascending melodic minor scale, it is primarily used in Western classical, jazz, and popular music. The melodic minor scale is characterized by its distinct pattern of intervals, which differs slightly when ascending and descending.
When ascending, the melodic minor scale is formed by raising the sixth and seventh notes of the natural minor scale by a half step. This alteration creates a unique melodic quality that distinguishes it from other minor scales. On the other hand, when descending, the melodic minor scale reverts to its natural minor form, with both the sixth and seventh notes lowered by a half step.
Melodic minors are commonly employed to infuse a sense of color, tension, and emotion in music. They often provide a more melodic and expressive sound compared to the natural minor scale, making them a popular choice for composing and improvising. In jazz, especially, the melodic minor scale is widely used for chord/scale relationships, allowing musicians to add harmonic variety, tension, and sophisticated melodic lines to their performances.
To summarize, melodic minors are scales that are derived from the natural minor scale by raising the sixth and seventh notes when ascending, and returning to the natural minor form when descending. They are extensively used in Western classical, jazz, and popular music to create a distinctive melodic and emotional quality in compositions and improvisations.
Common Misspellings for MELODIC MINORS
- nelodic minors
- kelodic minors
- jelodic minors
- mwlodic minors
- mslodic minors
- mdlodic minors
- mrlodic minors
- m4lodic minors
- m3lodic minors
- mekodic minors
- mepodic minors
- meoodic minors
- melidic minors
- melkdic minors
- melldic minors
- melpdic minors
- mel0dic minors
- mel9dic minors
- melosic minors
Etymology of MELODIC MINORS
The word "melodic minors" is a term derived from the field of music theory, specifically within the context of Western classical music.
The word "melodic" comes from the Greek term "melos", meaning "song" or "melody", which was then adopted into Latin as "melodus" and eventually became "melodic" in English. It refers to anything related to or characterized by melodies, particularly in music.
The term "minors" is derived from the concept of minor keys or scales. The word "minor" comes from the Latin word "minor", meaning "lesser" or "smaller". In music theory, the concept of minor keys or scales refers to a tonal system based on a different set of intervals and tonal relationships compared to major keys or scales.
When combined, "melodic minors" refers to a specific type of minor scale, known as the melodic minor scale.
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