39
Enharmonics
Enharmonics
are notes that are known by two different names, for instance C> and D<.
This can cause some confusion if you are not careful. Though C> and D< are the same
note, accepted musical notation dictates that in the key of A major this note should be
written C#, and in the key of A< major it is written D<.
As a rule, scales and modes in major and natural minor keys do not mix sharps and
flats. So, if you see a scale or mode on the Harmonizer that mixes sharp and flats, or
you see a scale that has fewer sharps or flats than it should, it probably indicates an
enharmonic note is in the scale.
An indicator has been built into the Harmonizer to alert you when the scales and
modes are displayed according to accepted musical notation principles.
C, Am
G, Em
D, Bm
A, F>m
E, C>m
B, G>m
F>, D>m
C>, A>m
0
1>
2>
3>
4>
5>
6>
7>
1<
2<
3<
4<
5<
6<
7<
F, Dm
B<, Gm
E<, Cm
A<, Fm
D<, B<m
G<, E<m
C<*
,
A<m
Flats
Keys
Sharps
C>
D>
E>
E
F>
G>
A>
B>
B
D<
E<
F
F<
G<
A<
B<
C
C<
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
Enharmonic
Equivalent Notes
The Harmonizer departs from accepted notation principles when it comes to the melodic
minor and harmonic minor scales. In these scales it is common to show the raised sev-
enth note as a sharp, even if the scale is based on a key consisting of flats. In order to
preserve the integrity of notes in other locations on the dial, the Harmonizer shows these
notes as flats. This anomaly applies to G melodic minor as well as D and G harmonic
minors.
Set Indicator
E<
C
D
E<
D
F
Harmonic
Min.
Im
Locrian
`
6
II
[
R
2nd
(9th)
3r
Major
C
When a letter appears in the indicator
window, the Major & Natural Minor
Scales and the Chord Substitution sec-
tions show enharmonics properly.
In exceptional cases, a window of the Harmonizer will show two notes. Choose the note
that best matches context. Remember, sharps go with sharps. Flats go with flats.
This chart shows the
number of sharp and
flat notes that appear
naturally in the corre-
sponding keys.
B
<
E
G
G
A
C
D
G<
Melodic Minor
Im
m(maj7)
R
2nd
3rd 4th
5th
6th
7th R
(9th)
(11th)
(13th)
This is traditionally
noted as F>.
*
The Harmonizer does not show the key of C< major.
