Harmonic Minor Scale

Definition

The harmonic minor scale is a seven-note scale that is derived from the natural minor scale but features a raised seventh degree, creating a distinctive interval between the sixth and seventh degrees. This alteration gives the scale a unique sound, often associated with a sense of tension and resolution, making it particularly useful in harmonic contexts such as triad construction and inversions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The harmonic minor scale is formed by raising the seventh note of the natural minor scale by a half step, resulting in an interval of one and a half steps between the sixth and seventh degrees.
2. In harmonic minor, the triads built on each degree include unique qualities: for example, the tonic triad is minor, while the dominant triad is often augmented or major due to the leading tone.
3. The scale is commonly used in classical, jazz, and various forms of folk music to create tension before resolving to the tonic chord.
4. When constructing chords from the harmonic minor scale, inversions can highlight different tones in relation to the bass note, adding depth to harmonic progression.
5. The use of the raised seventh also enables strong dominant seventh chords which can lead effectively back to the tonic, reinforcing traditional resolution practices in harmony.

Review Questions

• How does the raised seventh degree in the harmonic minor scale affect triad construction compared to the natural minor scale?
  • The raised seventh degree in the harmonic minor scale creates a distinctive sound in triad construction compared to the natural minor scale. In the harmonic minor scale, this alteration allows for the formation of a major or augmented dominant triad on the fifth degree, which introduces a leading tone that strongly resolves back to the tonic. This contrasts with the natural minor scale where the dominant triad is typically minor. The presence of this leading tone adds tension and enhances harmonic movement within compositions.
• Explain how inversions can be used with triads built from the harmonic minor scale to create different harmonic textures.
  • Inversions of triads derived from the harmonic minor scale allow composers to manipulate the bass line and create varied textures within their music. By changing which note is in the bass, different degrees of tension and resolution can be emphasized. For instance, placing the third or fifth of a dominant chord in the bass can change its perceived function and support smoother voice leading. This technique enriches harmonic progressions and helps maintain listener interest through dynamic changes.
• Evaluate how understanding the harmonic minor scale contributes to a composer’s ability to craft effective melodies and harmonies.
  • Understanding the harmonic minor scale equips composers with essential tools for crafting effective melodies and harmonies by allowing them to leverage its unique tonal qualities. The raised seventh degree creates strong leading tones that heighten melodic tension and drive towards resolution, which can make melodies more compelling. Additionally, by incorporating triads built on this scale into their compositions, composers can exploit contrasting moods and colors inherent in this structure. Overall, mastery of this scale enhances creative expression through deliberate harmonic choices.

Related terms

Natural Minor Scale: A seven-note scale that consists of a specific pattern of whole and half steps, characterized by the absence of any raised or lowered notes from the standard diatonic set.

Diatonic Triads: Triads that are built from the notes of a specific scale, maintaining the same tonal center and consisting of major, minor, augmented, or diminished qualities.

Leading Tone:

The seventh degree of the harmonic minor scale, which is raised compared to the natural minor scale, creating a strong pull toward the tonic.