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

If we talk about the most common frets, thenfrom 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 inextricably linked with itsinterpretation 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 keyways have three mainvarieties: 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 a gamut will involveonly 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 for them, the "bekar" sign is used, and the notes sound 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".

Incidentally, to simplify the notationoften the full name of the minor is not used, and to the basic tonic note in the Latin variant the small letter "m" is simply added. 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 notation like "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 commonThe minor keys with tonics on the notes "la" and "mi" can be used. In this case, the minor is a gamma containing a minimum of key signs. In the minor gamma "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 have become most widespread among pianists and guitarists.

For both instruments chord techniqueis the simplest and enters the initial course of music instruction. For the guitar, you can also select 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 givea sorrowful coloring of a musical composition 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 to understand, the majority of musical ballads or slow compositions is presented 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 a combination of standardharmony and chords business is not limited. 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.