Degrees and intervals
| Degree | Note | Interval from the tonic | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | B♭ | root | Tonic |
| 2 | C | major second | Supertonic |
| ♭3 | D♭ | minor third | Mediant |
| 4 | E♭ | perfect fourth | Subdominant |
| 5 | F | perfect fifth | Dominant |
| ♭6 | G♭ | minor sixth | Submediant |
| 7 | A | major seventh | Leading tone |
From one note to the next, the scale moves like this: T – S – T – T – S – T½ – S (T = whole step, S = half step, T½ = step and a half). That pattern is the same in every key: once you learn it, you can build the harmonic minor scale from any note.
Chords in the B♭ harmonic minor scale
Stacking thirds on each degree gives you these chords. They're the ones you'll find most often in songs in this key.
Triads
Seventh chords
- B♭m(maj7)i(maj7)
- Cm7♭5iiø7
- D♭maj7♯5III+maj7
- E♭m7iv7
- F7V7
- G♭maj7VImaj7
- Adim7vii°7
How to practice this scale
- Play it slowly with a metronome, one note per beat, and only speed up once it sounds even.
- Sing the note names while you play it: that way you train your ear and your memory at the same time.
- On piano, use the fingering from your teacher or a method book: in most scales the thumb passes under after the third finger.
- Also practice the scale's triads (the chords below) to understand how the harmony of songs is built.
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of the B♭ harmonic minor scale?
The B♭ harmonic minor scale has 7 notes: B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭ – F – G♭ – A. Its formula is W – H – W – W – H – W½ – H (W = whole step, H = half step, W½ = one and a half steps).
How many sharps or flats does B♭ harmonic minor have?
It uses its key signature, which has 5 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭). A is written as an accidental in the score.
What chords are in the B♭ harmonic minor scale?
With triads: B♭m (i), Cdim (ii°), D♭aug (III+), E♭m (iv), F (V), G♭ (VI), Adim (vii°).