# The harmonic minor scale

*Module 6 · Lesson 4: Minor scales · BazzLow*

> Know why the harmonic minor raises the 7th and how it sounds.

Before this lesson: [6.3 Parallel major and minor](https://bazzlow.com/en/minor-scales/parallel-major-and-minor/)

The natural minor scale has one weakness: its 7th degree does not pull strongly to the tonic. The harmonic minor fixes that with a single change.

## Raising the 7th

In the natural minor scale the 7th degree is a whole step below the tonic, the subtonic. The pull “home” is weaker than in major, where the 7th is a half step below. The **harmonic minor** raises the 7th by a half step, restoring the **leading tone**:

- formula **1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 7**;
- pattern W–H–W–W–H–**W+H**–H.

Between ♭6 and 7 there is now a gap of 3 semitones, an **augmented 2nd**. It gives the scale its typical, “exotic”-sounding colour.

> **Diagram:** A harmonic minor with the root at fret 5 on the E string: A B C (frets 5, 7, 8) | D E F on the A string (frets 5, 7, 8) | G♯ (fret 6) and A (fret 7) on the D string. The jump from F to G♯ is an augmented 2nd.

## Spelling

*The 7th degree raised in the harmonic minor is in bold.*

| Key | Natural minor | Harmonic minor |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Am | A B C D E F G | A B C D E F **G♯** |
| Dm | D E F G A B♭ C | D E F G A B♭ **C♯** |
| Gm | G A B♭ C D E♭ F | G A B♭ C D E♭ **F♯** |

The raised 7th is **not part of the key signature**: it is written as an accidental each time. Cm gives B natural. In some keys the raised 7th needs a double sharp: G♯ minor → F𝄪, D♯ minor → C𝄪.

The name “harmonic” comes from its use in harmony. Its raised 7th makes the V chord of a minor key **major**, which gives a strong resolution to the tonic (Module 8).

## Try it

Play A natural minor and then A harmonic minor. On the way up, stop on the 7th of each and hear how strongly the harmonic minor’s G♯ wants to go to A.

## New terms

- harmonic minor scale
- leading tone
- augmented second

Page: https://bazzlow.com/en/minor-scales/harmonic-minor-scale/