This section of the Harmonizer shows the comparison between the major scale and its
parallel minor
scale. When a natural minor scale has the same starting note as a major
scale, it is said to be parallel to it.
The Natural Minor Scale
As mentioned earlier, the Aeolian mode that begins on the sixth note of the major
scale is also known as the natural minor scale. When the natural minor scale
shares the same notes as a major scale, it is called the
relative
minor to the
major. On the other hand, when a minor scale starts on the same beginning note
as a major scale, it is called the
parallel
minor to the major.
The diagram below shows how the intervals which create a natural minor scale
are derived from the major scale beginning on the sixth note.
{
{
C
D
E
F
G
A
B C
D
E
F
G
A
C Major Scale
A Natural Minor Scale
(Aeolian mode & relative minor to C major)
The sixth note of the major scale
begins the natural minor scale,
also known as the Aeolian
mode. This scale is called the
relative minor of the major scale
from which it is derived.
9.
Parallel Minor Scale
Major & Minor Scales
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
G
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
A
G
A
B
C
E
C
D
E
F
G
B
A
D
C
E
G
A
C
C
D
F
G
D
F
B
Lydian
Mixolydian
Aeolian
Locrian
E<
A<
B<
maj
7
7
dom
m
7
m
7
<
5
B
Parallel Minor Scale
(natural minor scale)
.
.
. . .
.
.
Ch d P
i
M
w
w
h
w
w
w
h
<6
<7
R
R
2 <3
4
5
w
w
w
w
w
h
h
w
w
h
w
w
6
7 R
R
2
3 4
5
18
