Fundamentals
Natural, Harmonic and Melodic Minor Scales Compared
Three minor scales, three different jobs. What each form changes, why composers switch between them, and how to hear the difference.
Harmonic minor
A minor scale with the seventh degree raised by a semitone, giving a leading tone a half step below the tonic.
Also called: harmonic minor scale
The harmonic minor scale is the natural minor with its seventh degree raised by a semitone, which gives a leading tone a half step below the tonic. In A minor it is A B C D E F G♯ A, with the augmented second between F and G♯ that is characteristic of the form. The raised seventh makes the dominant chord major, as in the E major chord of A minor, which has G♯ as its leading tone. The augmented second makes melodic writing in this form awkward, which is one reason the melodic minor is used alongside it.
The harmonic minor scale in every key
Related terms
- Natural minorThe minor scale with the pattern whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole, the same notes as its relative major.
- Melodic minorA minor scale with the sixth and seventh raised when ascending, and in classical practice the natural minor when descending.
- Leading toneThe seventh degree of a major or harmonic minor scale, a half step below the tonic, which pulls strongly up to it.
- Minor scaleA family of seven-note scales with a minor third above the tonic, existing in natural, harmonic and melodic forms.
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Harmony
Diatonic Chords in Major and Minor Keys Explained
Diatonic chords are the triads built on each scale degree from the key's own notes. Here are their qualities in major and minor, worked out in C and A.