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F♯ 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.

♭6D7E♯♭3A4B♭6D7E♯♭3A4B5C♯1F♯2G♯5C♯1F♯2G♯

Notes

1F♯
2G♯
♭3A
4B
5C♯
♭6D
7E♯

Common progressions

i–iv–V
F♯m–Bm–C♯

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

i–VI–vii°
F♯m–D–E♯°

Step-wise ascending progression heard throughout rock and metal.

i–vii°–VI–V
F♯m–E♯°–D–C♯

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

iiø7–V7–i(maj7)
G♯m7♭5–C♯7–F♯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.