Table of Contents
What is The Harmonic Major Scale?
The harmonic major scale is a musical scale that is less common than the major, natural minor, and harmonic minor scales, but it offers a distinctive and rich tonal palette. It is given a unique sound by its flavor note, the diminished sixth. The scale has an interesting sound – cheerful for the first few notes, and melancholic for the last few.
Both the major and minor scales have unique dissonant sounds. Guitar players use the harmonic major to add a unique character to their chromatic sound. Let’s dive deep into it and master the Harmonic Major Guitar Scale.
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Construction of the Harmonic Major Scale Formula
The Harmonic Major is constructed by flattening the sixth note of the natural major scale. The formula for the scale, measured in half-steps or semitones, is as follows:
- Root (Tonic)
- Whole step (Major Second)
- Whole step (Major Third)
- Half step (Perfect Fourth)
- Whole step (Perfect Fifth)
- Half step (Flattened Sixth)
- Whole and a half step (Major Seventh)
- Half step (Octave)
Here’s an example of the Harmonic Major in the key of C major:
C, D, E, F, G, A♭, B, C
Characteristics of the Harmonic Major Scale
Flattened Sixth Degree
The most distinguishing feature of the harmonic major is the presence of the flattened sixth degree. This unique combination gives the scale its distinct sound.
Tonal Versatility
The harmonic major has a more exotic and less common sound compared to the major scale. It can be used to create a variety of moods, from cheerful and bright to mysterious and dramatic. So, it stands as a versatile scale in composition and improvisation.
Chord Options
Diatonic chords of the Harmonic Major Guitar Scale are I, ii, III, iv, V, VI+, and VIIIo. This means the root note, third, and fifth notes’ chords are major. The fourth chord is minor. The second and seventh chords are diminished and the sixth is augmented.
The unstable augmented and diminished chords and the minor fourth chord create the tense and ominous sound of the Harmonic Minor Scale. This diversity also allows for harmonic complexity in compositions and a wider range of chord progressions.
Less Common Usage
While the major and natural minor scales are foundational in Western theory, the harmonic major is less frequently used. It is more common in certain classical, jazz, and world music compositions where its unique tonal qualities are desired.
Harmonic Major Scales
A
The A Harmonic Major consists of the notes A, B, C#, D, E, F, and G#.
A#
The A# Harmonic Major consists of the notes A#, C, D, D#, F, F#, and A.
B
The B Harmonic Major consists of the notes B, C#, D#, E, F#, G, and A#.
C
The C Harmonic Major consists of the notes C, D, E, F, G, G#, and B.
C#
The C# Harmonic Major consists of the notes C#, D#, F, F#, G#, A and C.
D
The D Harmonic Major consists of the notes D, E, F#, G, A, A#, and C#.
D#
The D# Harmonic Major consists of the notes D#, F, G, G#, A#, B, and D.
E
The E Harmonic Major consists of the notes E, F#, G#, A, B, C, and D#.
F
The F Harmonic Major consists of the notes F, G, A, A#, C, C#, and E.
F#
The F# Harmonic Major consists of the notes F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D, and F.
G
The G Harmonic Major consists of the notes G, A, B, C, D, D#, and F#.
G#
The G# Harmonic Major consists of the notes G#, A#, C, C#, D#, E, and G.
Double Harmonic Major Scale
The double harmonic major is an exotic and captivating musical scale with a distinctive sound. It is characterized by a sequence of augmented and minor second intervals. These intervals give it an unusual and somewhat mysterious quality.
The double harmonic major scale is constructed by flattening both the second and sixth degrees of the natural major scale. The formula for the double harmonic major, measured in half-steps or semitones, is as follows:
- Root (Tonic)
- Half step (Flattened Second)
- Whole and a half step (Major Third)
- Half step (Perfect Fourth)
- Whole step (Perfect Fifth)
- Half step (Flattened Sixth)
- Whole and a half step (Major Seventh)
- Half step (Octave)
The double harmonic major has a unique and exotic sound due to the presence of augmented seconds and minor seconds. This gives it a somewhat “Eastern” or “Middle Eastern” flavor and makes it ideal for creating evocative and mysterious melodies.
Examples of the Harmonic Major
The harmonic major scale sometimes makes brief appearances in songs, typically for momentary harmonic effects or modal changes.
One noteworthy example is the popular steel guitar instrumental “Sleepwalk,” where the harmonic major scale is briefly employed over the iv (Fm) chord within the key of C.
It’s important to note that this usage is a selective borrowing of the b6 from the harmonic major and not extensive incorporation, as too much would be overwhelming.
Other songs that incorporate a similar progression include “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” “Blackbird,” and even “Jingle Bell Rock.” These songs briefly introduce the b6 while staying within a major key, technically introducing a form of harmonic major.
These instances are some of the clearest examples of the harmonic major in action, despite their brevity.
In “I Saw Her Standing There,” the Beatles briefly use the harmonic major when they introduce an IV chord within an I-IV-V chord progression. The Beatles have also employed passing harmonic major chords in various songs such as “Across the Universe,” “Nowhere Man,” “I Want to Tell You,” and many others.
In pop music, artists occasionally incorporate the harmonic major scale to add subtle color to their compositions, providing fodder for music theory enthusiasts to debate.
In jazz, the harmonic major briefly appears at the beginning of “Night and Day” and at the end of “Stella By Starlight.” A more comprehensive example of a song that utilizes it is “Terminal Velocity” by the progressive guitarist John Petrucci.
Difference between the Minor Harmonic Scale and Major Harmonic Scale
The minor harmonic scale and major harmonic scale are two distinct musical scales that differ in their construction and tonal characteristics. Here’s a comparison of the minor harmonic scale and major harmonic scale:
Construction Of The Scale
The minor harmonic scale is derived from the natural minor scale by raising the seventh degree (by a half step or semitone). The formula is 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7, 8.
The major harmonic scale is less common and is derived from the major scale by flattening the sixth degree (by a half step). The formula is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7, 8.
Tonal Characteristics
The raised seventh degree in the minor harmonic scale creates a strong and distinctive augmented second interval between the sixth and seventh degrees, contributing to a unique and exotic sound.
The minor harmonic scale has a somewhat melancholic and dramatic quality. It is often used to evoke tension and expressiveness in compositions.
On the other hand, the raised third degree in the major harmonic scale creates a major third interval between the second and third degrees, leading to a brighter and more cheerful sound.
But depending on the notes recurring in a phrase, the scale can also sound downright ominous. It can evoke both a sense of brightness and darkness in compositions.
Harmonic Minor Scale Chords
Diatonic chords of The Harmonic Minor Guitar Scale are i, ii, III aug, iv, V, VI, and vii. The unstable augmented and diminished chords and the dominant fifth chord create the tense and ominous sound of the Harmonic Minor Scale.
The dominant chord (V) creates a strong pull to the root chord and creates smooth resolutions. This is the primary reason many composers use the Harmonic Minor Scale.
Meanwhile, diatonic chords of the Harmonic Major Guitar Scale are I, ii, III, iv, V, VI+, and VIIIo. The scale has unstable augmented and diminished chords and a minor fourth chord.
These create the tense and exotic sound of the Harmonic Major . But the major tonic and dominant chords can also be utilized to paint a cheerful soundscape.
The Use of Minor Harmonic Scale
The minor harmonic scale is commonly used in various musical styles, including jazz, classical, heavy metal, and even pop music. It is a favorite scale for adding a unique emotional depth to melodies and harmonies.
The major harmonic scale is relatively less common in Western music compared to the natural or harmonic minor scales. It is sporadically used to add unique harmonic elements and create contrasting brightness and darkness in compositions.
Why the E and A Harmonic Major Scale shapes are loved by guitarists
The guitar is tuned in such a way that both the thickest (6th) and thinnest (1st) strings are open Es. This means that those strings, being played without any frets pressed, sound an E note.
As root notes are heavily utilized in musical compositions, having an open note as the tonic is a godsend. Even more so for E, since it allows one to start at the bottom of the guitar’s range.
The same reasoning applies to the A (5th) string.
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From root to the octave
The harmonic major scale is a valuable tool for musicians and composers looking to create distinctive and expressive music. Its unique combination of raised degrees adds depth and complexity to compositions, making it an intriguing choice for those seeking to explore less conventional harmonic territory.
Learn about guitar arpeggios here!
Harmonic Major Scales FAQ
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