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basics: scales
The two main scales in 18th- and 19th-century tonal music are the major and minor scales:
Because the natural minor scale lacks a leading note, it can be introduced in two ways: in ascending melodic minor scale passages, both the 6th and 7th degrees are raised, as shown in the example above; in descending minor scale passages, only the 7th degree is raised when it functions within a dominant chord:
This document gives an overview af all the major and minor scales including fingerings.
For more information about scales, check 19th-century piano methods in the 'publications' section.
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