A Minor Harmonic Minor Scale

Understanding the Harmonic Minor Scale: A Deep Dive for Musicians

The harmonic minor scale is a cornerstone of music theory, offering a unique blend of familiar and unexpected sounds. While closely related to the natural minor scale, its characteristic augmented second interval (a raised 7th degree) adds a dramatic flair and opens up a world of compositional possibilities. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of the harmonic minor scale, exploring its construction, characteristics, its use in various musical contexts, and addressing common questions. Whether you're a beginner musician seeking a clearer understanding or an experienced composer looking to expand your harmonic palette, this article will provide you with a thorough and insightful exploration of this fascinating scale.

Constructing the Harmonic Minor Scale

The harmonic minor scale is built upon a natural minor scale with a single alteration: the seventh degree is raised by a half-step. Let's break down the construction using the A harmonic minor scale as an example:

Start with the natural minor scale: A natural minor scale comprises the notes A, B, C, D, E, F, G. Notice the characteristic minor second between the 2nd and 3rd degrees (B-C) and the major second between the 5th and 6th degrees (E-F).
Raise the 7th degree: To transform the A natural minor into A harmonic minor, we raise the 7th degree (G) by a half-step to G#. This results in the A harmonic minor scale: A, B, C, D, E, F, G#.

This raised 7th creates the characteristic augmented second interval between the 6th and 7th degrees (F-G#), a hallmark of the harmonic minor scale and the source of much of its unique character. This interval adds a strong pull towards the tonic (A) and introduces a sense of tension and resolution that is absent in the natural minor scale.

Let's look at the intervals in the A harmonic minor scale:

A - B: Minor second
B - C: Major second
C - D: Minor second
D - E: Major second
E - F: Minor second
F - G#: Augmented second
G# - A: Minor second

This intervallic pattern is consistent across all harmonic minor scales. Remember, the only difference between a natural minor and a harmonic minor scale is the raised 7th degree.

Characteristics and Sound of the Harmonic Minor Scale

The harmonic minor scale possesses a distinctive sound, different from both major and natural minor scales. The raised 7th degree significantly impacts its character, leading to several key characteristics:

Increased Tension and Resolution: The augmented second interval between the 6th and 7th degrees creates a significant amount of tension that strongly resolves back to the tonic. This adds dramatic effect to musical phrases and provides a strong sense of direction.
Unique melodic contours: The augmented second creates interesting melodic possibilities, adding unexpected leaps and intervals. Compositions using the harmonic minor often feature characteristic upward leaps from the 6th to the 7th degree, followed by a resolution to the tonic.
Modal Mixture: The raised 7th degree often leads to modal mixture, borrowing chords or melodies from the parallel major scale. This creates richer harmonies and adds a sense of complexity and colour.
Stronger Leading Tone: The raised 7th degree acts as a very strong leading tone, providing a powerful pull towards the tonic. This leading tone is stronger than the leading tone in a major scale, due to its augmented second relationship with the 6th degree.
Suitable for Dramatic and Expressive Music: The characteristic tension and resolution of the harmonic minor scale make it particularly well-suited for expressing a wide range of emotions, from mystery and suspense to passion and drama.

Harmonic Minor Scale in Practice: Chords and Progressions

The harmonic minor scale lends itself to a variety of chord progressions and harmonic possibilities. The most common chords built from the harmonic minor scale include:

i minor chord: (tonic) – Built from the 1st, 3rd, and 5th degrees. In A harmonic minor, this is A-C-E.
ii diminished chord: (supertonic) – Built from the 2nd, 4th, and 6th degrees. In A harmonic minor, this is B-D-F. Note the diminished quality.
III major chord: (mediant) – Built from the 3rd, 5th, and 7th degrees. In A harmonic minor, this is C-E-G#. Note the major quality.
iv minor chord: (subdominant) – Built from the 4th, 6th, and 8th (octave) degrees. In A harmonic minor, this is D-F-A.
V major chord: (dominant) – Built from the 5th, 7th, and 2nd (octave) degrees. In A harmonic minor, this is E-G#-B. Note the major quality.
vi minor chord: (submediant) – Built from the 6th, 8th (octave), and 10th (octave + 3rd) degrees. In A harmonic minor, this is F-A-C.
vii° diminished chord: (leading tone) – Built from the 7th, 2nd, and 4th degrees. In A harmonic minor, this is G#-B-D. Note the diminished quality.

These chords can be combined in various progressions to create unique and captivating harmonic sequences. For instance, a common progression in harmonic minor is i-iv-V-i, which creates a strong sense of movement and resolution. The presence of major chords (III and V) adds colour and unexpected twists to the typically minor tonality.

Melodic Minor Scale and its Relationship to Harmonic Minor

It's essential to distinguish the harmonic minor scale from the melodic minor scale. While both are variations of the natural minor, they differ in their construction and usage.

The melodic minor scale resolves the augmented second interval inherent in the harmonic minor by also raising the 6th degree when ascending. When descending, it typically uses the notes of the natural minor scale. This creates a smoother melodic line, particularly in ascending passages.

The choice between the harmonic and melodic minor scales often depends on the musical context. The harmonic minor is generally preferred when a stronger sense of tension and resolution is desired, while the melodic minor is more suitable for smoother melodies and less dramatic passages. However, composers frequently blend aspects of both scales, creating rich and nuanced musical textures.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Applications of the Harmonic Minor Scale

The harmonic minor scale's unique qualities allow for sophisticated harmonic and melodic explorations. Here are some advanced applications:

Modal Interchange: Borrowing chords from the parallel major key significantly expands harmonic possibilities.
Chromaticism: The inherent tension in the harmonic minor invites the use of chromatic passing tones and appoggiaturas to add further colour and complexity.
Secondary Dominants: Employing secondary dominant chords (chords that temporarily function as the dominant of a chord other than the tonic) adds further harmonic richness and unexpected turns.
Altered Dominants: Modifying the dominant chord (V) with chromatic alterations creates a wider range of expressive possibilities and intensifies the harmonic drive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between a natural minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor scale?

A: The natural minor scale has no alterations. The harmonic minor raises only the 7th degree, creating an augmented second interval. The melodic minor raises both the 6th and 7th degrees ascending, returning to the natural minor descending.

Q: Why is the augmented second interval important in the harmonic minor scale?

A: The augmented second creates a strong sense of tension that powerfully resolves to the tonic, adding dramatic flair and a characteristic sound to the scale.

Q: Can I use the harmonic minor scale in all musical genres?

A: While the harmonic minor scale is often associated with more dramatic genres like classical, romantic, and jazz, it can be adapted to various styles, adding unique textures and colours.

Q: What are some common chord progressions in the harmonic minor scale?

A: Common progressions include i-iv-V-i, ii-V-i, and variations thereof, incorporating the major chords (III and V) for interesting harmonic twists.

Q: How do I choose between using the harmonic minor and melodic minor scales?

A: The harmonic minor is suitable for situations requiring strong tension and resolution. The melodic minor offers a smoother melodic contour, particularly in ascending passages.

Conclusion

The harmonic minor scale, with its distinctive augmented second interval, offers a wealth of compositional possibilities beyond the familiar major and natural minor scales. Understanding its construction, characteristics, and applications unlocks a powerful tool for creating dramatic, expressive, and captivating music. By exploring its unique features and experimenting with its harmonic possibilities, musicians of all levels can enrich their musical vocabulary and expand their creative horizons. The journey of mastering the harmonic minor is not just about learning theory; it's about unlocking a new dimension of musical expression. So, pick up your instrument, experiment with these ideas, and discover the exciting world of music hidden within this fascinating scale.