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B♭ 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.

2C5F7A2C5F7A♭3D♭4E♭♭6G♭1B♭♭3D♭4E♭♭6G♭1B♭

Notes

1B♭
2C
♭3D♭
4E♭
5F
♭6G♭
7A

Common progressions

i–iv–V
B♭m–E♭m–F

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

i–VI–vii°
B♭m–G♭–A°

Step-wise ascending progression heard throughout rock and metal.

i–vii°–VI–V
B♭m–A°–G♭–F

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

iiø7–V7–i(maj7)
Cm7♭5–F7–B♭m(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.