A Minor Scale – One Octave (Violin Lesson)
Learning the A minor scale is an important step after exploring major scales on the violin. In this lesson from Violin Theory Simplified, Dayna Bee walks you through how to play a one-octave A minor scale in first position using a relaxed hand shape and clear finger placement.
Unlike major scales, A minor introduces a darker and more expressive sound. Because it uses the open A and open E strings, it’s also a great exercise for improving intonation and developing a strong sense of pitch as a beginner violinist.
What You’ll Learn In This Lesson
- How to play the A minor scale across the A and E strings
- The natural minor interval pattern (W-H-W-W-H-W-W)
- How open strings help you stay in tune
- The difference in sound between major and minor scales
Why Practice the A Minor Scale?
Practicing minor scales helps you understand musical contrast and expression. While major scales often sound bright and happy, minor scales create a more emotional tone. This lesson helps you feel that difference while strengthening your left-hand control and string crossing technique.
Start on the open A string and move step by step through the notes, keeping your hand relaxed. Listen closely to how the open strings ring and use them as reference points for tuning. As the pattern becomes comfortable, you’ll begin to recognize how minor keys relate to the major scales you already know.
Watch the Lesson with Dayna Bee
This QR lesson is taught by violinist Dayna Bee, who guides you through the scale slowly so you can follow along and build confidence in first position.
If you're learning from the Violin Theory Simplified book, this video expands on the visual diagrams and helps connect theory with real playing on the instrument.