![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() By using it as the harmonic resource for the minor mode one is emphasising its fundamental role in maintaining tonal function. In a sense the harmonic minor scale is the "default" scale to which the melodic variations must return in order for the tonality to be maintained. More generally, the harmonic minor chords can be seen as follows: Im (M7) IIm7 (b5) IIImaj7 (5) IVm7 V7 VImaj7 VIIdim Great, so theoretically whenever we identify one of these chords/degrees in a song, we can apply the harmonic minor scale to our solo, since the harmony allows for this. So, in playing melodies using that formula, they can sound a bit weird. The reason that the harmonic minor scale is used as the harmonic foundation of the minor mode is that, despite its melodic deficiencies, its tonality is very powerful and unambiguous, whereas the tonality of the aeolian mode is weakĪnd easily displaced, and the tonality of the melodic minor is even weaker and more ambiguous. The major scale is built completely off of whole steps and half steps, whereas Harmonic Minor has a glaring minor 3rd, from the b6 to the natural 7th giving the scale it's distinct 'Eastern' sound. It is not necessary though, and the melodic leap between the sixth and seventh degree can be used as an interesting feature. These devices are used simply to smooth the melodic line without disturbing tonal function in the scale too drastically, although repeated use of the natural sixth will weaken the tonal function of the scale. Both of these devices transform the augmented second into a major second. It is, however, avoided as the melodic foundation because of the "unmelodic" augmented second found between its sixth and seventh degrees.Ĭonventionally when the sixth degree proceeds to the seventh the sixth degree is raised by a chromatic semitone, and when the seventh degree proceeds to the sixth the seventh degree is lowered by a chromatic semitone. The harmonic minor scale is well known to common practice classical music because it is the harmonic foundation of minor mode music. If the tonic is c, the notes and chords are: c It is spelled, in numerical form (relative to the major scale): 1 For that reason, sometimes you may see the harmonic scale referred to as being an Aeolian 7: By raising the 7 th degree, an augmented 2 nd (with 1 steps) is created between the 6 th and 7 th degree, which gives this scale a distinctive and exotic flavor. The harmonic minor scale has just one tonally effective mode and that is the scale conventionally known as the harmonic minor scale. In essence, the harmonic scale is a minor scale (Aeolian mode) with a raised 7 th degree, in order to create a stronger resolution to the tonic. ![]()
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