Minor Scales

[seahank]

I'm confused about minor scales http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/confused.gif The lesson on intervals and minor scale construction is clear but I have a lesson book that goes into some detail about the natural, harmonic and melodic forms of minor scales. Your lesson covers the harmonic form, which I understand. Can the melodic and natural forms be interchanged with the harmonic form http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/think.gif
I suppose my real question is: Do I need to know the melodic and natural forms when the harmonic form will work just as well? The book I have doesn't explain much other than show how to construct the scales.

Hank

[StoneDragon]

It really depends on the style of music you intend to play. Natural minor is usually the scale of choice for most rock/pop based minor playing (aside from dorian). The melodic minor is mainly used in jazz and fusion type playing. The Harmonic minor is usually used in conjunction with the natural minor when chords borrowed from the harmonic minor are added into an otherwise natural minor type progression.

My advice would be to learn all three. Then learn when and how to use them. That way you will not be limiting yourself.

[MrSamson]

Wow Stone...that sounds overwhelming...will I ever get this...

(flips through local paper to see how much an add in the classifieds will cost me)

http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/frown.gif