The first minor scale that will we discuss is natural minor. It is constructed with this formula.




Let's build an A Natural Minor Scale. Our starting note will be A.




From A, we take a whole step to B.




Next, we take a half step to C.




From C, a whole step takes us to D.




Another whole step takes us to E.




From E, we go up a half step to F.




From F, a whole step takes us to G.




Finally, the last whole step returns us to A.




A Natural Minor is: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A.
Notice that the A Natural Minor Scale has no notes with accidentals.




Next, we will construct the C Natural Minor Scale. Our starting note will be C.




The whole step takes us to D. From D, a half step takes us to Eb.




The following whole step takes us to F.




From F, a whole step takes us to G. The half step from G takes us to Ab.




From Ab, we take a whole step to Bb.




The final whole step returns us to C.




C natural minor is: C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb.




Notice that the C Natural Minor Scale has three flats.




Next, we will discuss harmonic minor.




To convert any natural minor scale into harmonic minor, raise the seventh note by a half step.
Let's convert C Natural Minor into C Harmonic Minor.




Simply raise the seventh note (Bb) by a half step, resulting in B.




C harmonic minor is: C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, B.




Finally, we will discuss melodic minor.




To convert a natural minor scale into melodic minor, raise both the sixth and seventh notes by a half step.




For example, to convert C Natural Minor into C Melodic Minor, simply raise the Ab and Bb a half step to A and B.




C melodic minor is: C, D, Eb, F, G, A, B.




Usually, melodic minor is used only when ascending. When descending, composers prefer to use the natural minor scale.