What is "a-sharp minor"

n. (context music English) a minor key with the notes A♯, B♯, C♯, D♯, E♯, F♯, G♯

A-sharp minor or A minor is a minor scale based on A-sharp. The A minor scale has pitches A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. For the harmonic minor scale, G is used instead of G. Its key signature has seven sharps (see below: Scales and keys).

Its relative major is C-sharp major (or enharmonically D-flat major). Its parallel major is A major, usually replaced by B major, since A major's three double-sharps make it impractical to use. Exceptions include Chopin's Polonaise-Fantaisie in A-flat major, Op. 61, which has a brief passage of about 6 bars actually notated in A-sharp major, inserting the necessary double-sharps as accidentals. The overall harmonic context is an extended theme in B major, which briefly modulates to A-sharp major.

The direct enharmonic equivalent of A minor is B minor.

Changes needed for the melodic and harmonic versions of the scale are written in with accidentals as necessary.

A-sharp minor is one of the least used minor keys in music as it is not a practical key for composition. The enharmonic equivalent B-flat minor, which would only contain five flats as opposed to A-sharp minor's seven sharps, is normally used.