Lecture Notes: Harmonic Minor Scales

Introduction

• This video is part two of a series on calculating and understanding minor scales.
• Focus: Harmonic Minor Scales.
• Importance: Must watch part one for natural minors as a foundation.

Key Concepts

• Natural Minor Scale: Essential first step for harmonic minors.
• Instructions for calculating natural minors are available at the bottom of the screen.

Calculating Harmonic Minor Scales

1. Start with a Natural Minor Scale

   • Example: C natural minor.
   • Calculate as per instructions in part one.

2. Transform to Harmonic Minor

   • Step 3: Raise the seventh note by a semitone (both ascending and descending).
   • Important Concepts:
     • Semitones: Explained in a separate video on accidentals and semitones.
     • "Raise" means add a semitone.
     • "Seventh" refers to the seventh note of the scale.

Example Calculations

C Harmonic Minor Scale

• C Natural Minor: Already calculated in part one.
• Step 3: Raise the 7th note (B flat) to B natural in both ascending and descending forms.

B Harmonic Minor Descending

• Step 1: Calculate key signature using the circle of fifths.
  • B minor has two sharps (F#, C#).
• Step 2: Write notes from B down to the next B.
• Convert to Harmonic Minor:
  • Raise the 7th note (A) to A# for descending scale.

B Flat Harmonic Minor Descending

• Step 1: Key signature for B flat minor has five flats (B, E, A, D, G).
• Step 2: Write notes from B flat down to B flat.
• Convert to Harmonic Minor:
  • Raise the 7th note (A flat) to A natural.

Tips and Reminders

• Always ensure a note in every line and space when writing scales.
• Be cautious of double notes on any line or space.

Conclusion

• Transitioning from natural to harmonic minor involves raising the 7th note by a semitone.
• Upcoming: Part three will focus on melodic minor scales.