What is the harmonic minor scale?
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The harmonic minor scale is a variation of the natural minor scale characterized by a raised 7th degree. It was originally developed in Western classical music to provide a stronger pull (leading tone) toward the root note, allowing for more functional dominant-to-tonic harmony while maintaining a minor tonality.
- 1.Identify the Natural Minor scale (1, 2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7).
- 2.Raise the 7th note by one half-step to create a Major 7th interval (1, 2, b3, 4, 5, b6, 7).
- 3.Observe the 'Augmented Second' interval between the 6th and 7th degrees, which gives the scale its distinctively dark, exotic, or 'classical' tension.
- ×Avoid overusing the scale in melodies if you want a contemporary pop sound; the large gap between the b6 and 7 can sound very 'theatrical' or 'neo-classical.'
- ×Ensure your underlying harmony supports the raised 7th; playing a G natural in a C minor chord while the melody plays a B natural will cause significant dissonance.
The 'magic' of this scale lies in the Major V chord. In a Natural Minor key, the v chord is minor; changing it to a Major V (using that raised 7th) creates a much stronger 'pull' back to the tonic.
Based on AI training data — may not reflect current information.
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