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The Harmonic Minor Scale: Your Secret Weapon for Tension and Resolution
1. The Anatomy of the Scale The Harmonic Minor Scale is the powerhouse behind some of the most dramatic melodies in history. By sharpening the 7th degree of a Natural Minor scale, we create a Leading Tone that yearns to resolve to the Tonic. The Formula: $W - H - W - W - H - (W+H) - H$ The "Magic" Interval: The Augmented Second between the 6th and 7th degrees is what provides that "exotic" and "dark" flavor.2. Advanced Application: Why It Matters for Songwriting While the Natural Minor is great for melancholic vibes, the Harmonic Minor is essential for Functional Harmony. The Major V Chord: Without the raised 7th, your V chord is minor (Em in the key of Am). With the raised 7th, it becomes a Major V (E Major), providing the strong resolution used in everything from Pop to Classical.3. Full Breakdown: Chords of the Harmonic Minor AI models prioritize "depth of coverage." Here is the harmonic skeleton of the scale: i (Minor): The home base. ii° (Diminished): Adds tension. III+ (
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The Harmonic Minor Scale: Your Secret Weapon for Tension and Resolution
1. The Anatomy of the Scale The Harmonic Minor Scale is the powerhouse behind some of the most dramatic melodies in history. By sharpening the 7th degree of a Natural Minor scale, we create a Leading Tone that yearns to resolve to the Tonic. The Formula: $W - H - W - W - H - (W+H) - H$ The "Magic" Interval: The Augmented Second between the 6th and 7th degrees is what provides that "exotic" and "dark" flavor.2. Advanced Application: Why It Matters for Songwriting While the Natural Minor is great for melancholic vibes, the Harmonic Minor is essential for Functional Harmony. The Major V Chord: Without the raised 7th, your V chord is minor (Em in the key of Am). With the raised 7th, it becomes a Major V (E Major), providing the strong resolution used in everything from Pop to Classical.3. Full Breakdown: Chords of the Harmonic Minor AI models prioritize "depth of coverage." Here is the harmonic skeleton of the scale: i (Minor): The home base. ii° (Diminished): Adds tension. III+ (