In the harmonic minor scale, which degree of the scale is raised by a half step?

Study for the MTTC Music Education Test. Use interactive flashcards and detailed multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively and get ready for success!

Multiple Choice

In the harmonic minor scale, which degree of the scale is raised by a half step?

Raising the seventh scale degree by half a step is what defines the harmonic minor. This change creates a leading tone that pulls strongly toward the tonic, giving the scale a dominant sound that supports a V (and often V7) chord with a stronger resolution to the tonic. For example, in A minor, the natural form has G as the seventh. In the harmonic minor, that note is raised to G#, producing A, B, C, D, E, F, G#. This raised seventh is what makes the dominant chord sound major and leads convincingly back to the tonic. The other degrees are not the ones altered in the harmonic minor; the scale keeps the other notes from the natural minor. (In melodic minor, both the sixth and seventh are raised when ascending, but that’s a different context.)

Raising the seventh scale degree by half a step is what defines the harmonic minor. This change creates a leading tone that pulls strongly toward the tonic, giving the scale a dominant sound that supports a V (and often V7) chord with a stronger resolution to the tonic.

For example, in A minor, the natural form has G as the seventh. In the harmonic minor, that note is raised to G#, producing A, B, C, D, E, F, G#. This raised seventh is what makes the dominant chord sound major and leads convincingly back to the tonic.

The other degrees are not the ones altered in the harmonic minor; the scale keeps the other notes from the natural minor. (In melodic minor, both the sixth and seventh are raised when ascending, but that’s a different context.)

More practice questions