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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.

♭3E♭♭4F♭♭6A♭♭1C♭♭3E♭♭4F♭♭6A♭♭1C♭2D♭5G♭7B♭2D♭5G♭7B♭

Notes

1C♭
2D♭
♭3E♭♭
4F♭
5G♭
♭6A♭♭
7B♭

Common progressions

i–iv–V
C♭m–F♭m–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°
C♭m–A♭♭–B♭°

Step-wise ascending progression heard throughout rock and metal.

i–vii°–VI–V
C♭m–B♭°–A♭♭–G♭

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

iiø7–V7–i(maj7)
D♭m7♭5–G♭7–C♭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.