Bb Harmonic Minor Scale
B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭ – F – G♭ – A – B♭
Formula:W-H-W-W-H-A-H
Intervals:P1-M2-m3-P4-P5-m6-M7-P8
Scale Degrees:1-2-♭3-4-5-♭6-7-8
Introduction
The Bb Harmonic Minor Scale raises the 7th degree of the Bb Natural Minor scale by a half step, creating a leading tone and the characteristic augmented 2nd interval. Its notes are Bb - C - Db - Eb - F - Gb - A - Bb.
Enharmonic equivalent: B♭ is enharmonically equivalent to A♯. See A# Harmonic Minor Scale Scale.
Bb Harmonic Minor Scale Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | B♭ | P1 |
| 2 | Supertonic | C | M2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | D♭ | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | E♭ | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | F | P5 |
| ♭6 | Submediant | G♭ | m6 |
| 7 | Leading Tone | A | M7 |
| 8 | Octave | B♭ | P8 |
Key Signature
The key of Bb Harmonic Minor has 5 flats.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭
Order of flats
Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father
Chords in the Key of Bb Harmonic Minor Scale
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the Bb Harmonic Minor Scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
i — B♭ Minor (minor)
Bb Harmonic Minor Scale — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Bb Harmonic Minor Scale?
The Bb Harmonic Minor Scale contains: Bb C Db Eb F Gb A (plus the octave). It is the Bb Natural Minor scale with the 7th degree raised by one semitone (to A). This creates the characteristic augmented 2nd interval between the b6 and the raised 7th.
How does the Bb Harmonic Minor Scale differ from Bb Natural Minor?
The only difference is the 7th degree: Natural Minor uses b7, while Harmonic Minor raises it to a natural 7th (A). This raised 7th creates a stronger leading tone that resolves powerfully back to the tonic, and produces the characteristic augmented 2nd (3 semitones) between the b6 and raised 7th.
What is the augmented 2nd and why does it matter?
The augmented 2nd is the 3-semitone gap between the b6 and raised 7th of the harmonic minor scale. In Bb Harmonic Minor this falls between Gb and A. This unusual interval gives the harmonic minor its exotic, dramatic character — it is common in flamenco, classical music, and Middle Eastern music.
Why is it called the harmonic minor scale?
It is called "harmonic" minor because the raised 7th allows the construction of a major V chord (dominant chord) in a minor key. In Bb Minor, the natural V chord would be minor (using b7), but with the raised 7th, V becomes a major chord with a strong tritone tension that resolves back to the i chord — the basis of harmonic progression in minor keys.
What is the fingering for the Bb Harmonic Minor Scale?
Right hand: 21231234. Left hand: 21321432. The harmonic minor uses the same fingering as the natural minor scale — the raised 7th does not change finger placement. Practice each hand separately at slow tempo before combining.
What music uses the Bb Harmonic Minor Scale?
Harmonic minor scales are used extensively in Classical music (Baroque through Romantic), flamenco, Arabic maqam music, Jewish klezmer, and metal. The Bb Harmonic Minor Scale gives a dramatic, almost exotic flavour to melodies and is common in the works of Bach, Beethoven, and Paganini.
Practice Tips
- Compare Bb Natural Minor and Bb Harmonic Minor side by side — the only change is the raised 7th (A). Listen for how that one note transforms the character.
- Feel the augmented 2nd between Gb and A — this 3-semitone leap is the scale's signature sound. Practice just that interval as a two-note exercise.
- Use the correct fingering (RH: 21231234) — the raised 7th does not change the fingering pattern.
- Practice the V–i cadence in Bb: the raised 7th is what makes the dominant chord major, giving the resolution its power.
- Listen to flamenco, klezmer, or Baroque violin for the harmonic minor sound — ear training is essential alongside technical practice.
- Improvise over a Bb minor chord progression using harmonic minor — emphasise the raised 7th as a leading tone into the tonic.