(Don't forget the accidental persists through the end of the bar.) In the following example the key signature is for D minor (1 flat), but the phrase uses the harmonic minor scale which contains Cв™Ї. The different 7th will have an accidental (sharp or natural) applied to it whenever the 7th of the harmonic minor comes up. Minor keys always use the natural minor scale for their key signature even when the harmonic minor scale is used. You might wonder about minor key signatures and use of the harmonic minor scale.

There are a number of approaches depending on the specific song. For instance, a soloist might approach playing a major V chord in a minor key by applying the harmonic minor scale while using the natural minor scale on the other chords in the key. Therefore, many musicians think of the major V chord in minor keys as a temporary change from the natural minor scale to the harmonic minor scale. Gв™Ї is the 7th from the A harmonic minor scale (A, B, C, D, E, F, Gв™Ї). Changing it to a major triad gives you E (E-Gв™Ї-B). The raised 7th of the harmonic minor scale is what creates the major triad or dominant 7th built on the 5th note of the key.ДЇor example, in an A natural minor scale (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) the 7th is G. The harmonic minor scale, with its raised 7th, gives its V chord a major 3rd instead of a minor 3rd like the natural minor scale's v chord has. This major V chord in a minor key can be thought of as coming from the harmonic minor scale, and getting this major V chord in a minor key is the main purpose of this scale-hence the name harmonic minor. Remember, the V leading back to the tonic (i) is thought of as music's most powerful chord progression. This produces more tension leading back to the i chord.

In our last lesson on V chords in minor keys, I explained how the minor scale's minor v chord is often changed to a major triad or dominant 7th chord. Minor Scale Chords and the Harmonic Minor Scale Luckily, it's not too hard to remember-just raise the 7th note of the natural minor scale by a half-step. This scale shows up less often in styles like rock, country, blues, funk, and R&B it shows up more often in Classical, jazz, metal and European folk music.Дepending on your musical goals, you may need to know this scale inside and out or very little. Practical Use of the Harmonic Minor Scale

The Romani scales and sounds have worked their way into many other styles like Classical, jazz, European folk music and even metal. And, these styles were heavily influenced by the music of the nomadic Romani people (pejoratively 'Gypsies'). The sound of the harmonic minor scale may remind you of Eastern European folk music, Jewish music and Spanish Flamenco music. Harmonic minor's unique structure gives it a very unique sound. Let's talk about the harmonic minor scale. Get whatever you can from this lesson and the next and move on. They will show up again in future lessons as needed. At this stage, I only want you to be acquainted with these scales. Take It EasyДЄ quick note: I worry this lesson will overwhelm some of you. This special V chord in minor keys is thought of as coming from these other harmonic systems. Two other common harmonic systems are built on the harmonic minor scale and the melodic minor scale.Д«ecause of the issue of V Chords in Minor Keys, it is necessary to give you a light introduction to these two scales and harmonic systems. As a result of these different structures, these scales create their own unique harmony different from the major scale. That is, the intervals-the spacing of the notes-are different from the major scale. These other scales are structurally different from the major scale. In addition to major scale harmony derived from major scales, there are other harmonic systems based on other scales. So, scales (and modes) from the major scale, and the chords derived from them, are all considered major scale harmony. The harmony all comes from the same place. Remember, the major scale has a relative minor scale and vice versa.

It may seem confusing, but the harmony of the natural minor scale is considered a part of major scale harmony. A lot of harmony revolves around the major scale.

C harmonic minor scale