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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.

7B♯♭3E♭6A7B♯♭3E♭6A1C♯2D♯4F♯5G♯1C♯2D♯4F♯5G♯

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.