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D 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.

1D2E♭3F4G5A1D2E♭3F4G5A7C♯♭6B♭7C♯♭6B♭

Notes

1D
2E
♭3F
4G
5A
♭6B♭
7C♯

Common progressions

i–iv–V
Dm–Gm–A

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

i–VI–vii°
Dm–B♭–C♯°

Step-wise ascending progression heard throughout rock and metal.

i–vii°–VI–V
Dm–C♯°–B♭–A

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

iiø7–V7–i(maj7)
Em7♭5–A7–Dm(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.