Harmonic Minor Applications
Neoclassical and flamenco flavour
The Harmonic Minor Scale
The harmonic minor scale is the natural minor with a raised 7th degree:
Natural minor: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Harmonic minor: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
That raised 7th creates a 1.5-step gap between b6 and 7 ā an "exotic" interval that gives harmonic minor its distinctive Middle Eastern, classical, and flamenco character.
This scale is called "harmonic" because the raised 7th creates a major V chord in a minor key, which gives the Vāi resolution its strong pull. It's the reason minor key music has that dramatic, resolved cadence.
Applications
Neoclassical: Yngwie Malmsteen built his entire style on harmonic minor. Fast scalar runs through this scale sound classical and dramatic.
Flamenco: The Phrygian dominant scale (5th mode of harmonic minor) is the quintessential flamenco sound.
Over V chords in minor keys: when a V7 appears in a minor key progression, harmonic minor is the natural choice for soloing.
Tab Examples
A harmonic minor scale
e---------------------------5--8-- B--------------------5--6--------- G--------------5--6--------------- D--------5--7--------------------- A--5--7---------------------------- E--5--8----------------------------
Tips
- The raised 7th is the characteristic note ā emphasise it
- The gap between b6 and 7 gives the exotic flavour
- Harmonic minor over the V chord in a minor key sounds dramatic and resolved
- Phrygian dominant (5th mode) = the ultimate flamenco sound
Practice Exercises
- Play A harmonic minor ascending and descending ā feel the exotic b6 to 7 gap
- Compare A natural minor to A harmonic minor ā just one note difference, huge mood change
- Try fast scalar runs through harmonic minor ā the neoclassical sound
- Solo over an Am-E7-Am progression using harmonic minor