It is really the natura minor scale and is called so because the third note, or third degree is only a half tone highre than the second which is B.

Lokk at No. 1; the 6th note is raised and so it the 7th. In the next measure whichis is the scale backwards, you notice a new sign. This sign is called a natural.

It "puts a note back" to what it was before it was raised or lowered. You will hear this scale does not sound like those that you have had in the 6th lesson. THere the 3rd degree was a whole tone higher than the second.

You will notive that this scvale of A minor sounds mournful.

Your ear will "tell you" if a piece is written in a minor key and the half tone from the second to the third will tell you eye that you are playing in the nimor mode.

The sharps which raise the 6th and 7th degree are accidentals and are only n eeded when the sacle is played upwards. The downwards scale is played according to the signature.

Play No. 1 to the double bar and repeat until you play correctly.

When you wish to stop you fininsh on A as shown after the double bar. If you should stop on B, there would be no feeling of "conclusion".

Tne next two measure give you the notes of of the "common chord" of A minor. The first, third and fifth note of every scale forms the common chord.

Later on, you will find two or more notees printed on one stem to be played together.

No. 2 gives the same scale with only the 7th note or degree raised.

The curve from F to G# whichi splaced there, is only there to attract your attnetion to the step from F to G# which is one tone and a half.

A minor scale played as in No. 1, is called Melodic, and played as in No.2 is called Harmonic. Practice No. 2 in preference.

No. 3 begins with a "starting note" on the fourth count. Play with an up-bow. As ou have to play many 8th notes, you msut count: 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & and be particular about saying the word "and" after 4.

Dots over notes take away half of their time value.

Use a short part of the bow and stop a little after the notes without leaving the string.

These dots are abbreviations. The notes are played like 16th notes followed by a 16th rest.

If you bow correctly, you will notive that the pieve sounds snappy, whereas without paying attention to the correct bowing, it will sound draggy.

The Italian words often plaed to the left at the beginning of a piece indicate whether the piece or study should be played fast or slow. Moderate means moderately.

Count: 1 & 2 & 3 & for No. 4. It beings on the third beat.

Play with an up-bow for both notes as they are slurred. The missing two counts are found int he last measure.

In the third measure 4 notes are played with one movement of the bow. The arm must move slower. Use the upper half.

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© 2003 R. Fingerson
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