Diatonic Triads - C Natural Minor Scale and Harmonic Minor

Next, we will uncover the diatonic triads of the C Natural Minor scale.

C Natural Minor scale.

First, the scale is constructed. Notice that we are using a key signature rather than placing the accidentals by each note.

Again, stack two generic thirds. Finally, let's analyze the resulting triads.

The first triad is C--Eb--G, a minor third and a perfect fifth. Therefore, the triad is minor.

The second triad is D--F--Ab, a minor traid and a diminished fifth. Therefore, it is diminished."

The third triad is Eb--G--Bb, a major third and a perfect fifth. Therefore, it is major.

The fourth triad is F--Ab--C, a minor third and a perfect fifth. Therefore, it is minor.

The fifth triad is G--Bb--D, a minor third and a perfect fifth. Therefore, it is also minor.

The sixth triad is Ab--C--Eb, a major third and a perfect fifth. Therefore, it is major.

The seventh triad is Bb--D--F, a major third and a perfect fifth. Therefore, it is also major.

The eighth triad is a repetition of the first (C--Eb--G), making it minor.

Next, we will discuss the diatonic triads of harmonic minor.

To convert natural minor to harmonic minor, the seventh tone is raised a half step. Therefore, each Bb (the seventh tone of C minor) is raised to a B natural. Since the third, fifth, and seventh chords have been altered, they need to be reanalyzed.

The third triad is now Eb--G--B, a major third and an augmented fifth. Therefore, it is augmented.

The fifth triad is now G--B--D, a major third and a perfect fifth. Therefore, it is major.

The seventh triad is now B--D--F, a minor third and a diminished fifth. Therefore, it is diminished.

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