Chords Of Harmonic Minor Scale

Unlocking the Secrets of Harmonic Minor Chords: A Comprehensive Guide

The harmonic minor scale, a captivating variant of the natural minor scale, adds a unique spice to musical compositions. Its characteristic raised 7th degree creates a powerful pull towards the tonic, injecting a dramatic flair often absent in its natural counterpart. Understanding the chords built from this scale unlocks a wealth of harmonic possibilities, from poignant melodies to intensely dramatic progressions. This comprehensive guide will delve deep into the chords of the harmonic minor scale, exploring their construction, function, and applications within musical contexts. We'll explore each chord individually, examining its unique character and its role within the overall harmonic landscape.

Understanding the Harmonic Minor Scale

Before diving into the chords, let's establish a solid foundation. The harmonic minor scale differs from the natural minor scale only in its seventh degree. While the natural minor scale proceeds with a pattern of W-H-W-W-H-W-W (W representing a whole step and H representing a half step), the harmonic minor scale modifies this by raising the 7th degree by a half step. This creates a characteristic augmented second interval between the 6th and 7th degrees, a powerful interval that generates a strong leading tone effect, pulling irresistibly towards the tonic.

Let's take the A harmonic minor scale as an example:

A - B - C - D - E - F# - G# - A

Notice the raised G#, creating that distinctive augmented second between F# and G#. This seemingly small change drastically alters the harmonic possibilities within the scale.

Constructing Chords from the Harmonic Minor Scale

Building chords in the harmonic minor scale follows the same principles as building chords in any other scale. We use the scale degrees to construct triads (three-note chords) and seventh chords (four-note chords). Let's examine each chord individually:

1. i - Minor Tonic Chord

• Construction: Root + minor third + perfect fifth (1-b3-5)
• Example (A harmonic minor): A - C - E
• Function: The tonic chord, providing a sense of home and stability. In the harmonic minor context, it often sounds more melancholic than the major tonic chord, reflecting the minor key's inherent character.

2. ii - Diminished Chord

• Construction: Supertonic + minor third + diminished fifth (2-b3-b5)
• Example (A harmonic minor): B - D - F
• Function: Often creates a feeling of instability and anticipation, frequently resolving to the V chord (dominant). Its diminished quality gives it a unique, sometimes dissonant character.

3. iii - Minor Mediant Chord

• Construction: Mediant + minor third + perfect fifth (3-b3-5)
• Example (A harmonic minor): C - E - G
• Function: The iii chord provides a sense of relative stability, often functioning as a passing chord or a secondary dominant.

4. IV - Major Subdominant Chord

• Construction: Subdominant + major third + perfect fifth (4-3-5)
• Example (A harmonic minor): D - F# - A
• Function: The IV chord in the harmonic minor is a surprisingly bright and major chord, creating a sense of contrast and tension that resolves well to the V or i chords. This major subdominant is a unique characteristic of the harmonic minor scale.

5. V - Major Dominant Chord

• Construction: Dominant + major third + perfect fifth (5-3-5)
• Example (A harmonic minor): E - G# - B
• Function: This is the strongest chord in the harmonic minor scale. The raised leading tone (G#) creates a powerful pull towards the tonic (A), making it a crucial element for creating strong cadences and resolutions.

6. vi - Minor Submediant Chord

• Construction: Submediant + minor third + perfect fifth (6-b3-5)
• Example (A harmonic minor): F# - A - C
• Function: Often provides a sense of passing or secondary harmony, leading to other chords within the progression.

7. vii° - Diminished Leading Tone Chord

• Construction: Leading tone + minor third + diminished fifth (7-b3-b5)
• Example (A harmonic minor): G# - B - D
• Function: A highly unstable chord, its diminished quality and the presence of the leading tone create a powerful, almost irresistible pull towards the tonic. Often used for dramatic effect.

Seventh Chords in Harmonic Minor

The possibilities expand significantly when we consider seventh chords. Each triad can be extended to a seventh chord, adding another layer of complexity and harmonic color. Here's a look at the seventh chords built on the degrees of the A harmonic minor scale:

• i7 (Am7): A - C - E - G
• iiø7 (Bdim7): B - D - F - Ab
• iii7 (Cm7): C - Eb - G - Bb
• IV7 (Dmaj7): D - F# - A - C#
• V7 (E7): E - G# - B - D#
• vi7 (F#m7): F# - A - C - Eb
• viiø7 (G#dim7): G# - B - D - F

Analyzing Harmonic Function and Progressions

The unique characteristic of the harmonic minor scale lies in the interplay of these chords. The raised 7th degree dramatically affects the function and relationships between chords. Common progressions often involve the strong pull of the V chord (major dominant) towards the i chord (minor tonic). The IV chord (major subdominant) provides a bright contrast, creating a sense of anticipation before the resolution.

Here are some example progressions utilizing the harmonic minor chords:

• i - V - i: A classic and powerful progression emphasizing the resolution from the dominant to the tonic.
• i - IV - V - i: A more extended progression incorporating the bright major subdominant.
• ii - V - i: Emphasizing the strong pull from the ii chord (diminished) towards the dominant and then the tonic.
• vi - ii - V - i: A slightly more complex progression incorporating the submediant.

The Role of the Augmented Second Interval

The augmented second interval between the 6th and 7th degrees is central to the harmonic minor scale's character. This interval creates a strong sense of tension and anticipation, contributing significantly to the dramatic quality often associated with music using this scale. It's a crucial element in creating resolutions that feel both satisfying and dramatic.

Applications in Music

The harmonic minor scale and its associated chords are frequently used in a variety of musical genres, particularly those seeking a dramatic or expressive sound. You'll find them in:

• Classical Music: Many composers used harmonic minor to add intensity and emotional depth to their works.
• Jazz: Harmonic minor scales and chords provide fertile ground for improvisation and creating interesting harmonic variations.
• Rock and Metal: The dramatic and powerful nature of harmonic minor lends itself well to these genres, especially in creating heavy riffs and intense solos.
• Folk Music: Certain folk traditions incorporate harmonic minor in their melodies and chord progressions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What's the difference between the natural minor and harmonic minor scales?

A: The only difference lies in the 7th degree. The natural minor scale has a minor seventh, while the harmonic minor scale raises the 7th degree by a half step, creating an augmented second between the 6th and 7th degrees.

Q: Why is the V chord in harmonic minor major?

A: The major V chord is a direct consequence of raising the 7th degree. This creates a leading tone (the 7th degree) that strongly pulls towards the tonic, making the V chord a powerful and essential part of harmonic minor progressions.

Q: Are there other variations of minor scales?

A: Yes, besides natural and harmonic minor, there's also the melodic minor scale, which raises both the 6th and 7th degrees in the ascending form.

Q: How can I practice using harmonic minor chords?

A: Start by learning the scale and its chords. Experiment with simple progressions like i-V-i and i-IV-V-i. Then, try incorporating the other chords and seventh chords to create more complex and interesting progressions. Improvise melodies over the chords and explore different voicings.

Conclusion

The harmonic minor scale, with its characteristic raised seventh degree, offers a rich and diverse palette of harmonic possibilities. Understanding the construction and function of its chords unlocks a world of creative potential for composers and musicians alike. By exploring the unique interplay between its major and minor chords, and by mastering the powerful pull of the dominant chord, you can leverage the emotional depth and dramatic flair of the harmonic minor scale to create truly compelling and memorable music. The journey of understanding these chords is not just about learning theory; it's about unlocking a new level of expression and creativity in your musical journey. Remember to practice, experiment, and most importantly, have fun exploring the fascinating world of harmonic minor.