Minor - what does that mean in music? The meaning of the word "minor"

If we talk about the most common frets, then from the point of view of music theory, the minor is a mode that has a kind of sad tinge. This coloring is given to him by a combination of a small third and a pure fifth in the construction of a triad and an arpeggio. In this case, the small third is constructed from a tonic note, and then a large third joins the interval. As a result, between the tonic and the dominant is a pure fifth.

Minor and its meaning

The meaning of the word "minor" is inseparably linked with its interpretation from the point of view of the Latin language. After all, it came from there. Minor is a word formed from the Latin "molls", which can literally be translated as "soft" or "sad." It is not surprising that the designation of minor keys is made by adding the word "moll" to the tonic. For example, C-moll (C-minor).

Varieties of Minor

Minor key has three main varieties: natural, harmonic and melodic minor. The construction of the gamma in each case differs regardless of which key marks the tonality uses.

In natural minor, the performance of the scale involves only the signs in the key. A harmonic minor is a gamma with a raised seventh stage, and the melodic minor has a two-step rise (six and seven) and is played in different sequences up and down. That is, when playing ascending, these steps are increased. In the reverse order, the sign "bécar" is used for them, and the notes are sounded in a pure form. This standard rule applies to all sharp or flat keys, as well as the only minor key that does not contain the key signs "A-moll".

By the way, to simplify the notation, the full name of the minor is often not used, and the small tint "m" is simply added to the basic tonic note in the Latin version. If you give the simplest example based on such an abbreviation, then the same "E-minor" will look like "Em". It's very simple and convenient. It goes without saying that you can use the notation "C # m" or "Cis-moll" to indicate tonalities in the "pre-sharp minor" type. The second category of notations is used extremely rarely. Enough and the simplest abbreviation.

The most common minor scales

The most common and most frequently used can be called minor keys with tones on the notes "la" and "mi". In this case, the minor is a gamma containing a minimum of key signs. In the minor scale "la" in the key there are none at all. In "E-minor" there is only "F-sharp". It is due to the simplicity of the execution of the scale and the construction of the main triads that these minors are most widely distributed among pianists and guitarists.

For both instruments, the chord technique is the simplest and enters the initial music training course. For the guitar, you can also highlight the "D minor", the chord of which is basic for the performance with only three fingers, as well as "A-minor". "E-minor" uses only two fingers, which press the fourth and fifth string on the second fret.

Lyrical Characteristics of Minor

Minor tonalities are different in that they give the musical composition a mournful color or even some lyrical notes. In combination with the main stages of the scale and parallel majors, they can cause a storm of emotions, which is simply impossible to convey in words. If you understand, most of the musical ballads or slow compositions are represented in minor keys. This is understandable, because a deep feeling is transmitted only in this way. It is only necessary to hear the initial chords, how the soul immediately plunges into awe.

Of course, only the combination of standard harmonies and chords is not the only thing. For example, the use by Pink Floyd of enlarged and reduced triads adds to the composition simply an indescribable psychedelic effect. For any musician, using minor keys gives a wide field for creativity, despite seven standard notes of the scale.