Define 'parallel key'.
Major and minor key that share the same tonic.
What is a 'natural minor scale'?
Minor scale with flattened 3rd, 6th, and 7th scale degrees compared to the parallel major.
What is a 'harmonic minor scale'?
Natural minor scale with a raised (sharped) 7th scale degree.
What is a 'melodic minor scale'?
Minor scale with raised 6th and 7th ascending, and reverts to natural minor descending.
Define 'relative minor'.
A minor key that shares the same key signature as a major key; it starts on the 6th degree of the major scale.
Define 'Tonic'.
The 1st degree of a scale, the starting pitch and point of resolution.
Define 'Supertonic'.
The 2nd degree of a scale, a major second above the tonic. A point of tension.
Define 'Mediant'.
The 3rd degree of a scale, a minor third above the tonic. Transitional.
Define 'Subdominant'.
The 4th degree of a scale, a perfect fourth above the tonic. Provides stability.
Define 'Dominant'.
The 5th degree of a scale, a perfect fifth above the tonic. Creates major tension.
Define 'Submediant'.
The 6th degree of a scale, a minor sixth above the tonic. Transitional.
Define 'Leading Tone'.
The 7th degree of a scale, a major seventh above the tonic. Strong pull to tonic.
Why is the 7th scale degree raised in the harmonic minor scale?
To create a strong leading tone, which creates a half-step resolution to the tonic.
What is the function of the raised 7th in a minor key?
To create a major V chord for a strong V-i resolution.
What alterations create a harmonic minor scale?
Raise the 7th degree of the natural minor scale.
What are the ascending alterations in melodic minor?
Raise the 6th and 7th degrees.
What is the i chord quality in minor?
Minor.
What is the ii chord quality in minor?
Diminished (ii°).
What is the III chord quality in minor?
Major (III).
What is the V chord quality in harmonic minor?
Major (V).
What is the pattern of whole and half steps in natural minor?
W-H-W-W-H-W-W
What is the formula for finding the relative minor of a major key?
Go down three half steps from the major key's tonic.
What is the solfege for the 3rd in minor?
Me
What is the solfege for the 6th in minor?
Le
What is the solfege for the raised 7th in harmonic minor?
Ti
