A minor scale is a type of musical scale that has a distinct sound, often described as sad or somber. It consists of seven notes and follows a specific pattern of whole and half steps. The natural minor scale is built using the formula: whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole. There are three common forms of minor scales: the natural minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor. Each form has unique characteristics, with the harmonic minor scale featuring a raised seventh note, and the melodic minor scale having different ascending and descending patterns. These variations create diverse musical expressions within the minor scale framework.