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C 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.

1C2D4F5G7B1C2D4F5G7B♭3E♭♭6A♭♭3E♭♭6A♭

Notes

1C
2D
♭3E♭
4F
5G
♭6A♭
7B

Common progressions

i–iv–V
Cm–Fm–G

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

i–VI–vii°
Cm–A♭–B°

Step-wise ascending progression heard throughout rock and metal.

i–vii°–VI–V
Cm–B°–A♭–G

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

iiø7–V7–i(maj7)
Dm7♭5–G7–Cm(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.