MusicianCV · TRForms of the minor scale
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Building scales
Minor music uses natural, harmonic and melodic forms. Harmonic minor raises degree seven. The conventional ascending melodic minor raises degrees six and seven.
Study how these changes affect motion toward the tonal centre. A composition need not use one minor form mechanically from beginning to end. Descending and stylistic practices need context.
Example
A natural minor uses A–B–C–D–E–F–G; harmonic minor changes G to G♯.
Forms of the minor scaleA B C D E F G A
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Which degree is raised in D harmonic minor?
Answer
The seventh degree: C → C♯.Related topics
Relative major and minor · Parallel major and minorReferences
Music Theory for the 21st-Century Classroom
Subject-expert review pending.