The harmonic minor scale

About 2 min to read, then 6 practice questions

The raised 7th

A harmonic minor: the 7th, G, is raised to G sharp

A minor scale starts from the notes of its key signature. In the harmonic minor, the 7th note is raised by a semitone, going up and coming down. The raised 7th is always written as an accidental: it is never in the key signature.

Quick check

In A harmonic minor, which note is raised?

E minor and D minor

E harmonic minor: D sharp as an accidental

D harmonic minor, no key signature

E minor: F sharp (key signature), and D sharp (raised 7th).
D minor: B flat (key signature), and C sharp (raised 7th).

Quick check

Which accidental does E harmonic minor need, besides its key signature?

Remember

Harmonic minor: the 7th is raised, up and down.
Always an accidental, never in the key signature.
A minor G sharp, E minor D sharp, D minor C sharp.

Practise this: 6 questions, about 5 min

Answering from memory soon after reading is what makes it stick, so now is a good time.

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