Harmonic minor

Definition

A minor scale with a raised seventh degree (1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7).

Why it matters

The half step from 7 to 1 is the “classical” pull heard in Yngwie-influenced and many modern metal lines.

Examples

Runs that resolve to the root from a half-step below; V chords in a minor key that include the raised 7th.

Related

Scales guide · Phrygian · Research: none required beyond standard theory texts.