A♭ harmonic minor (A♭, B♭, C♭, D♭, E♭, F♭, G) has seven flats in its key signature and its raised 7th (G) creates the exotic augmented 2nd between F♭ and G. It is an extremely rare key, used primarily in classical and film scoring for maximum dramatic tension. A♭ harmonic minor is more commonly encountered as G♯ harmonic minor.
Quality
Minor
Defining Interval
Augmented 2nd (6th–7th gap)
Mood
Exotic, dramatic
Common Genres
ClassicalNeoclassical MetalFlamencoGypsy Jazz
Harmony
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Characteristic Sound
Characteristic sound of Ab Harmonic Minor
Raising the 7th degree of natural minor creates the signature augmented 2nd between the flat 6th and major 7th — an exotic interval that gives harmonic minor its Middle Eastern and neoclassical character. This raised 7th enables the strong V–i cadence that defines minor-key songwriting.
The diatonic chords in Ab Harmonic Minor are: Abm, Bbdim, Baug, Dbm, Eb, E, Gdim. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Harmonic Minor?
A♭ harmonic minor (A♭, B♭, C♭, D♭, E♭, F♭, G) has seven flats in its key signature and its raised 7th (G) creates the exotic augmented 2nd between F♭ and G. It is an extremely rare key, used primarily in classical and film scoring for maximum dramatic tension. A♭ harmonic minor is more commonly encountered as G♯ harmonic minor.
What notes are in the Ab Harmonic Minor?
The Ab Harmonic Minor contains the notes: Ab, Bb, Cb, Db, Eb, Fb, G. This is a 7-note scale starting from Ab.
How many chords does the Ab Harmonic Minor have?
The Ab Harmonic Minor produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Abm, Bbdim, Baug, Dbm, Eb, E, Gdim.
What is the formula for the Harmonic Minor?
The Harmonic Minor follows the interval formula: W-H-W-W-H-W+H-H (W = whole step, H = half step).
Position in circle of fifths
Ab is at the 8 o'clock position. Related keys: Eb (dominant), C# (subdominant), F (relative minor), Bb (supertonic), F# (subtonic).