The Art of Piano Fingering


Chapter 3 - Harmonic Minor Scales

As in the case of the melodic minor scale, the harmonic minor scale is also derived from the ancient Aeolian mode. The harmonic minor scale, as its name suggests, is derived more from harmonic than from melodic usage. In harmonic writing, the seventh (‘leading’) note is usually raised to give increased impetus towards the key-note whereas the sixth note keeps its original pitch in order to resolve downwards onto the dominant note. Example 17 Likewise, in harmonic minorscales,the seventh note is raised in both the ascending and descending scales, but the sixth note remains unchanged throughout....

Purchase options

This content is available as a separate, once-off purchase or as part of a subscription. Click "Buy" to purchase it or on "Subscription options" to get access to this content in addition to our growing library of over 300 articles for as little as £13.99 per month or £119.99 per year (Click here to sign-in to view this page if you are already a subscriber).

£5.00Buy More info Subscribe Back