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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.

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

Notes

1D♭
2E♭
♭3F♭
4G♭
5A♭
♭6B♭♭
7C

Common progressions

i–iv–V
D♭m–G♭m–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°
D♭m–B♭♭–C°

Step-wise ascending progression heard throughout rock and metal.

i–vii°–VI–V
D♭m–C°–B♭♭–A♭

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

iiø7–V7–i(maj7)
E♭m7♭5–A♭7–D♭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.