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A Harmonic Minor

Natural minor with a raised 7th, creating a strong leading tone back to the tonic. The augmented second between the 6th and 7th gives it an exotic, Middle-Eastern flavor.

♭3C4D5E♭6F1A2B♭3C4D5E♭6F1A2B7G♯7G♯

Notes

1A
2B
♭3C
4D
5E
♭6F
7G♯

Common progressions

iivV
AmDmE

The basic minor cadence. In harmonic minor the V becomes a major chord, creating a strong pull back to the tonic.

iVIvii°
AmFG♯°

Step-wise ascending progression heard throughout rock and metal.

ivii°VIV
AmG♯°FE

The Andalusian cadence — a descending tetrachord foundational in flamenco and Western classical music.

iiø7V7i(maj7)
Bm7♭5E7Am(maj7)

The minor ii–V–i. The ii is half-diminished; in harmonic minor the V becomes a dominant 7, the classic minor-key turnaround.