A# Minor Scale

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A# Minor scale is a scale that is the same as B♭ minor, since A# and B♭ are enharmonic equivalent notes. The relative major key with the same key signature as A# minor is C# Major.

A# minor Key Signature

Here’s the key signature for A# minor in the 4 clefs — notice all the notes are sharps, just like C# Major.

Key signature of A# minor in treble clef. This is also the key signature of C# Major, the relative major key to A# minor.
Key signature of A# minor in bass clef. This is also the key signature of C# Major, the relative major key to A# minor.
Key signature of A# minor in alto clef. This is also the key signature of C# Major, the relative major key to A# minor.
Key signature of A# minor in tenor clef. This is also the key signature of C# Major, the relative major key to A# minor.

Forming A# minor scale

There are 3 types of minor scales:

Let’s look at all these 3 types of A# minor scales in detail.

A# Minor – Natural minor

In this natural minor scale, there are no additional accidentals. We follow the sharps/ flats of the key signature.

For a natural minor key, most adjacent notes are a tone apart except these pairs of notes:

  • 2nd to 3rd
  • 5th to 6th

A# minor natural scale in treble clef:

A# minor natural minor scale in treble clef - both ascending and descending scale.

A# minor natural scale in bass clef:

A# minor natural minor scale in bass clef - both ascending and descending scale.

A# minor natural scale in alto clef:

A# minor natural minor scale in alto clef - both ascending and descending scale.

A# minor natural scale in tenor clef:

A# minor natural minor scale in tenor clef - both ascending and descending scale.

A# Minor – Harmonic minor

In this harmonic minor scale, the seventh note is sharpened – for both ascending and descending. Hence, instead of playing G#, we play G𝄪 (G double sharp).

For a harmonic minor key, most adjacent notes are a tone apart except these pairs of notes:

  • 2nd to 3rd
  • 5th to 6th
  • 7th to 8th

A# minor (harmonic minor) in treble clef:

A# minor harmonic minor scale in treble clef - both ascending and descending scale.

A# minor (harmonic minor) in bass clef:

A# minor harmonic minor scale in bass clef - both ascending and descending scale.

A# minor (harmonic minor) in alto clef:

A# minor harmonic minor scale in alto clef - both ascending and descending scale.

A# minor (harmonic minor) in tenor clef:

A# minor harmonic minor scale in tenor clef - both ascending and descending scale.

A# Minor – Melodic minor

For a melodic minor, we play slightly different notes for the ascending and descending scale.

For the ascending part of the melodic minor, we sharpen both the 6th and 7th note.

For the descending part of the melodic minor, it follows that of the natural minor (i.e. play sharps and flats for the notes only when the key signature says so).

For a melodic minor key, most adjacent notes are a tone apart. However, there are a few pairs of notes that are a semitone apart.

When ascending, these pairs of notes are a semitone apart:

  • 2nd to 3rd
  • 7th to 8th

When descending, these pairs of notes are a semitone apart:

  • 6th to 5th
  • 3rd to 2nd

A# minor (melodic minor) in treble clef:

A# minor melodic minor scale in treble clef - both ascending and descending scale.

A# minor (melodic minor) in bass clef:

A# minor melodic minor scale in bass clef - both ascending and descending scale.

A# minor (melodic minor) in alto clef:

A# minor melodic minor scale in alto clef - both ascending and descending scale.

A# minor (melodic minor) in tenor clef:

A# minor melodic minor scale in tenor clef - both ascending and descending scale.
Categories: keys, music theory