Harmonic Minor Scale
Harmonic minor is the natural minor scale with a raised seventh. Raising that note restores the leading tone, so the dominant chord becomes major and resolves strongly to the tonic. The step and a half between the sixth and seventh gives the scale its distinctive colour.
Harmonic Minor scale formula
- Formula
- W–H–W–W–H–W+H–H
Harmonic Minor scale in every key
Other scale types
Frequently asked questions
What is the Harmonic Minor scale?
Harmonic minor is the natural minor scale with a raised seventh. Raising that note restores the leading tone, so the dominant chord becomes major and resolves strongly to the tonic. The step and a half between the sixth and seventh gives the scale its distinctive colour.
What is the formula for the Harmonic Minor scale?
The Harmonic Minor scale follows the step pattern W–H–W–W–H–W+H–H, where H is a half step and W is a whole step.
