Music Fundamentals A Balanced Approach

Minor Key Signatures

Looking at the “James Bond Theme,” it might appear that the piece is in the key of C major because there are
no sharps or flats in the key signature.

“James Bond Theme” (M. Norman)

However, the melody centers on A and the downbeat, the strongest beat of every measure, is an A. This piece
is not in C major but in the key of Aminor.Every key signature can signify either a major or a minor key. In
this module we will explore pieces written in minor keys and how they compare with those written in major
keys. (Note: The key of a piece written in major may be labelled “C major” or simply “C.” The key of a piece in
minor should always state “minor” as in “A minor.”)

TRACKS 69–74—CLASS EXERCISE

Discuss the “quality” of major versus minor keys: does a piece written in major sound brighter and

happier, and a piece written in minor sound sadder or more mysterious? Can a piece written in a minor

key sound happy—and why or why not?

69. “James Bond Theme” in A minor (M. Norman)


70. Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550 (First Movement) (W.A. Mozart)


71. “The Entertainer” in C major (S. Joplin)

215

215 Minor Key Signatures

216 Relative Major and Minor Key Signatures

217 Finding the Tonic Note in a Minor Key with Sharps

219 Finding the Tonic Note in a Minor Key with Flats

221 Parallel Major and Minor Key Signatures

221 Circle of Fifths—Minor Keys

223 Three Forms of Minor Scales

226 Musical Examples in the Three Forms of Minor Scales

229 Comparing Pieces in Major and Minor Keys

233 Scale Degree Names in Minor

237 Workbook

MODULE 9 MINOR SCALE

Key signature