A harmonic minor scale on piano
The harmonic minor scale raises the 7th degree of the natural minor: this leading tone creates a major dominant chord. The step and a half between the 6th and 7th degrees gives it an exotic flavor.
On the keyboard
Numbers above the keys are the scale degrees; the root is filled.
Notes of the scale
| Degree | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | root |
| 2 | B | major second |
| 3 | C | minor third |
| 4 | D | perfect fourth |
| 5 | E | perfect fifth |
| 6 | F | minor sixth |
| 7 | G♯ (G sharp) | major seventh |
Steps between notes: W – H – W – W – H – W+H – H (W = whole step, H = half step)
Chords of the scale
Triads built on each degree: