E<
A<
C
C
D
F
G
B
E<
A<
C
D
D
F
G
B
E<
A<
E<
C
D
F
G
B
A<
A<
E<
E<
C
D
F
F
G
B
C
D
F
G
G
B
A<
A<
E<
C
D
F
G
B
A<
E<
C
D
F
G
B
B
Harmonic
Min.
Im
Locrian
`
6
II
[
Ionian
>
5
<
III
Dorian
>
4
IVm
Phrygian
`
3
V
Lydian
>
2
<
VI
Alt
<<
7
VII
[
m(maj7)
m7
<
5
maj7
>
5
m7
dom7
<
9
maj7
dim7
Harmonic Minor Scale
R
2nd
(9th)
(11th)
(13th)
3rd 4th
5th
6th
7th R
Harmonic Minor Scale
The harmonic minor scale is another variation of the natural minor scale. By raising the
seventh note of the natural minor to a major seventh interval, this scale resolves to the
tonic with more movement. However, this leaves a minor third interval between the sixth
and seventh note. This openness gives the scale an exotic character. This scale is some-
time called the snake-charmer scale.
C
w
w
h
w
w
h
w
D E<
F
G A<
B<
C
C Natural Minor
1
2 <3
4
5 <6
<7
8
C
w
w
h
w
w+h
h
h
D E<
F
G A<
B
C
C Harmonic Minor
1
2 <3
4
5 <6
7
8
{
minor 3rd
30
The Layout
This harmonic minor section of the Harmonizer is presented similarly to the
melodic minor. If you are not already familiar with the layout, please refer to the
melodic minor section of this guide (see page 28).
The modes of the harmonic minor scale produce some interesting-sounding
chords which can add originality to a piece of music.
Below is a comparison of the harmonic minor scale to the natural minor.
When this window is dark
the displayed notes are
enharmonically correct.
(See page 39 for details.)