Instances can be found in Mozart, Beethoven (for example, the finale of his String Quartet No.
While it evolved primarily as a basis for chords, the harmonic minor with its augmented second is sometimes used melodically. 3rd: Augmented major seventh chord (III +7).
2nd: half diminished seventh chord (ii ø7).The roman numeral analysis is shown in parentheses below. The seventh chords built on each scale degree follow a distinct pattern. One chord, with various spellings, may therefore have various harmonic functions in various keys. For example, the triad E ♭–G–B in first inversion is G–B–E ♭, which is enharmonically equivalent to the augmented triad G–B–D ♯. That is, any inversion of an augmented triad (or diminished seventh chord) is enharmonically equivalent to a new augmented triad (or diminished seventh chord) in root position. a diminished seventh chord (vii o 7), which is generated by minor thirdsīecause they are generated by just one interval, the inversions of augmented triads and diminished seventh chords introduce no new intervals (allowing for enharmonic equivalents) that are absent from its root position.an augmented triad (III +), which is generated by major thirds.The roman numeral analysis is shown below.Īn interesting property of the harmonic minor scale is that it contains two chords that are each generated by just one interval: The triads built on each scale degree follow a distinct pattern. This augmented fifth chord ( ♯5 chord) played a part in the development of modern chromaticism. But when the seventh degree is raised from G ♮ to G ♯, the triad becomes a major triad.Ĭhords on degrees other than V may also include the raised 7th degree, such as the diminished triad on VII itself (vii o), which has a dominant function, as well as an augmented triad on III (III +), which is not found in any "natural" harmony (that is, harmony that is derived from harmonizing the seven western modes, which include "major" and "minor"). For example, in the key of A minor, the dominant (V) chord (the triad built on the 5th scale degree, E) is a minor triad in the natural minor scale. The scale is called the harmonic minor scale because it is a common foundation for harmonies (chords) in minor keys. Whole, half, whole, whole, half, augmented second, half Harmony The intervals between the notes of a harmonic minor scale follow the sequence below: Thus, a 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, a harmonic minor scale is represented by the following notation: 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: A number with a flat represents a minor interval. Thus, a number without a flat represents a major (or perfect) interval. Their difference from the major scale is shown. In this way, a natural minor scale is represented by the following notation:Įach degree of the scale, starting with the tonic (the first, lowest note of the scale), is represented by a number. 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. Audio playback is not supported in your browser.