← Home

G♯ 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.

♭6E7F𝄪♭3B♭6E7F𝄪♭3B4C♯5D♯1G♯2A♯4C♯5D♯1G♯2A♯

Notes

1G♯
2A♯
♭3B
4C♯
5D♯
♭6E
7F𝄪

Common progressions

i–iv–V
G♯m–C♯m–D♯

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

i–VI–vii°
G♯m–E–F𝄪°

Step-wise ascending progression heard throughout rock and metal.

i–vii°–VI–V
G♯m–F𝄪°–E–D♯

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

iiø7–V7–i(maj7)
A♯m7♭5–D♯7–G♯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.