Harmonic Minor Scale Ear Training
The harmonic minor scale has one of the most distinctive sounds in all of music — an exotic, dramatic quality created by the raised seventh degree. It is heard in classical, metal, Middle Eastern, and flamenco music.
What makes harmonic minor unique?
The harmonic minor scale is identical to the natural minor except the 7th degree is raised by one half-step. This creates a wide gap (an augmented second — 3 half-steps) between the 6th and 7th degrees.
This augmented second is what gives the harmonic minor its distinctive "exotic" or "classical" flavor.
How to recognize it
Listen for a scale that sounds mostly like natural minor but has a dramatic, unexpected "lift" near the top. The raised 7th jumps out — it sounds almost like a wrong note in the context of minor, but in a beautiful way.
Think of classical violin pieces, flamenco guitar, or the Phantom of the Opera — these often use harmonic minor extensively.
Practice method
- Compare harmonic minor directly against natural minor — they are identical except for that one raised note.
- Listen specifically for the "exotic" interval between the 6th and 7th degrees.
- Use BananaTone's Scale mode with Natural Minor, Harmonic Minor, and Melodic Minor selected.
Ready to practice?
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