A minor

A minor (abbreviated Am) is a minor scale based on A, consisting of the pitches A, B, C, D, E, F, G and A (natural minor scale - the harmonic minor scale contains a G♯ instead of a G natural). Its key signature contains no flats or sharps.

Its relative key is C major, and its parallel major is A major.

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

Johann Joachim Quantz considered A minor, along with C minor, much more suitable for expressing "the sad effect" than other minor keys (Versuch einer Anweisung die Flöte traversiere zu spielen).

Well known classical pieces in this key

Invention No. 13 - Johann Sebastian Bach
Rondo Alla Turca - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Für Elise - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Scottish Symphony - Felix Mendelssohn
Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso - Camille Saint-Saëns
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini - Sergei Rachmaninoff
Piano Concerto - Edvard Grieg
Piano Concerto - Robert Schumann
Symphony No. 6 - Gustav Mahler
Classical Gas - Mason Williams

Well known songs in this key

House of the Rising Sun - Traditional
Save Tonight - Eagle Eye Cherry
Anthem for the Year 2000 - Silverchair
Street Spirit (Fade Out) - Radiohead
Smooth Criminal - Alien Ant Farm (originally by Michael Jackson)
Californication - Red Hot Chili Peppers (also in C major)
Otherside - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Dani California - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Mary Jane's Last Dance - Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers
Interlude/tribute to Adam Lambie in the key of a minor - Blonde Sunshine
Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin
Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love - Van Halen
November Rain - Guns N' Roses
Bad Habit - The Offspring
Pennyroyal Tea - Nirvana
Lover I don't have to Love - Bright Eyes
Here Comes the Rain Again - Eurythmics
Holding Out For a Hero - Bonnie Tyler

Trivia

* Only one song in Alicia Keys's album Songs in A minor, "Jane Doe," is actually in A minor.