Harmonic Minor Scale

Derived from the Aeolian diatonic scale, the harmonic minor scale is used quite frequently in songwriting and appears in minor songs, mainly to perform the perfect authentic cadence.

The only difference between the harmonic minor and the Aeolian scale is in the raised seventh degree which morphs the subtonic into the leading tone. The leading tone is usually introduced as a major third factor of the major dominant triad rooted in the fifth scale degree, performing the perfect authentic cadence absent from the Aeolian mode.

A detailed analysis of the harmonic minor scale and examples of its application in songwriting are explained in this article.

The selected articles cover popular songs composed using the harmonic minor scale as well as harmonic analysis of their chord progressions. The list also includes articles on musical theory related to the harmonic minor scale.