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E♯ 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.

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

Notes

1E♯
2F𝄪
♭3G♯
4A♯
5B♯
♭6C♯
7D𝄪

Common progressions

i–iv–V
E♯m–A♯m–B♯

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

i–VI–vii°
E♯m–C♯–D𝄪°

Step-wise ascending progression heard throughout rock and metal.

i–vii°–VI–V
E♯m–D𝄪°–C♯–B♯

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

iiø7–V7–i(maj7)
F𝄪m7♭5–B♯7–E♯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.