Melodic (ascend and descend)

4. B minor (use a key signature just after the clefand accidentals as needed)

Natural Harmonic

Melodic (ascend and descend)

Theory Trainer

Exercise 9c Identify scale type by ear.

Comparing Pieces in Major and Minor Keys

It is important to distinguish whether a piece is written in a major or a minor key because every key signature
has two tonics, one major and one minor. In addition, the a minor also has three different forms. Therefore: (1)
how do we determine the key; and (2) if the piece is in a minor key, what is the form of minor?

1. Begin by identifying the relative major and minor keys. Draw the two scales.


2. Locate the tonic (first) and dominant (fifth) notes of each scale.


3. Identify the first and last pitches of the piece. Almost always the last pitch in a melody will be the tonic.
   Frequently, the first pitch will be tonic or the dominant note of the scale.


4. Accidentals in the piece may indicate the harmonic or melodic forms of the minor. (Look for sharps, flats,
   naturals, double sharps on the sixth or seventh notes of the scale.) (Double flats are not used in minor scales.)

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MINOR SCALE

Workbook Exercise 9.7

REVIEW: ACCIDENTALS

The sharpraisesanote a half step.

On the keyboard, move to the nearest note to the right.

The naturalcancelsaprevious accidental. All naturals are white keys.

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