One of the two modes of the tonal system. The minor mode can be identified by the dark, melancholic mood.

This refers to a specific chord or key. A. When it refers to a chord the chord will have three different pitches. From the first to the second pitch or note there are three half steps, and the distance between the second and third pitch there are four half steps.

B. When minor refers to a key, it is the central tonality upon which a work or movement is constructed, and will usually use the same tonic chord as the central chord. For example, the first movement of Beethoven's 5th Symphony is in c minor. The most prominent chord is a c minor chord and the central pitch is a C. Of course many keys and chords are used throughout the movement.