The intervals between the notes of a harmonic minor scale follow the sequence below:

Thus, a harmonic minor scale is represented by the following notation:Ī harmonic minor scale can be built by lowering the 3rd and 6th degrees of the parallel major scale by one semitone.īecause of this construction, the 7th degree of the harmonic minor scale functions as a leading tone to the tonic because it is a semitone lower than the tonic, rather than a whole tone lower than the tonic as it is in natural minor scales. Thus, for instance, the A natural minor scale can be built by lowering the third, sixth, and seventh degrees of the A major scale by one semitone: Because of this, we say that a number without a flat represents a major (or perfect) interval, while a number with a flat represents a minor interval. By making use of flat symbols ( ♭) this notation thus represents notes by how they deviate from the notes in the major scale. This notation is based on the major scale, and represents each degree (each note in the scale) by a number, starting with the tonic (the first, lowest note of the scale). In this way, a natural minor scale is represented by the following notation: For instance, since the 6th degree of F major is D, the relative minor of F major is D minor.Ī natural minor scale can also be constructed by altering a major scale with accidentals. Every major key has a relative minor, which starts on the 6th scale degree or step. You can download the audio file.īecause of this, the key of A minor is called the relative minor of C major.

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B flat harmonic minor scale descending