Harmonic Minor Scale

The harmonic minor scale is a variation of the natural minor scale with a raised seventh degree. This raised seventh creates a leading tone that gives the scale a distinctive, exotic sound. It is widely used in classical, jazz, and metal music.

Structure of the Harmonic Minor Scale

The harmonic minor scale follows the pattern of whole steps (W) and half steps (H) as follows:


W - H - W - W - H - W+H - H

Example: A Harmonic Minor Scale

The A harmonic minor scale consists of the following notes:


A - B - C - D - E - F - G# - A

Sound and Character

The harmonic minor scale has an exotic and dramatic sound, characterized by the raised seventh degree. This raised seventh creates a strong pull towards the tonic, giving the scale a sense of tension and resolution. The harmonic minor scale is often used to create a sense of drama and intensity in music.

Applications of the Harmonic Minor Scale

The harmonic minor scale is used in various musical contexts, including:

  • Melody: Creating exotic and dramatic melodies.
  • Harmony: Building minor chords with a raised seventh degree.
  • Improvisation: Soloing over minor chord progressions with a raised seventh degree.

Chords Derived from the Harmonic Minor Scale

The harmonic minor scale can be used to derive the following chords:

  • i: Minor chord (e.g., Am)
  • ii°: Diminished chord (e.g., B°)
  • III+: Augmented chord (e.g., C+)
  • iv: Minor chord (e.g., Dm)
  • V: Major chord (e.g., E)
  • VI: Major chord (e.g., F)
  • vii°: Diminished chord (e.g., G#°)

Songs That Use the Harmonic Minor Scale

Here are some songs that use the harmonic minor scale:

  • "Hava Nagila" (Traditional Jewish folk song)
  • "Misirlou" by Dick Dale
  • "Scarborough Fair" (Traditional English ballad)
  • "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" (Traditional Christmas carol)
  • "Paint It Black" by The Rolling Stones
  • "Sultans of Swing" by Dire Straits

Practice Exercises

Here are some practice exercises to help you get familiar with the harmonic minor scale:

  1. Play the A harmonic minor scale on your instrument, ascending and descending.
  2. Write out the notes of the harmonic minor scale in different keys and play them on your instrument.
  3. Practice improvising using the harmonic minor scale over a minor chord progression with a raised seventh degree.
  4. Compose a short melody using the harmonic minor scale and play it on your instrument.
  5. Analyze a piece of music that uses the harmonic minor scale and identify the scale's role in the composition.
  6. Practice playing the chords derived from the harmonic minor scale in different keys.
  7. Improvise a solo using the harmonic minor scale over a backing track in a minor key.
  8. Transcribe a solo or melody that uses the harmonic minor scale and play it on your instrument.
  9. Create a chord progression using chords derived from the harmonic minor scale and play it on your instrument.
  10. Experiment with modulating between the harmonic minor scale and other scales in your improvisation.

 

 

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