B♭ harmonic minor (B♭, C, D♭, E♭, F, G♭, A) has five flats in its key signature and its raised 7th (A) creates the exotic augmented 2nd between G♭ and A. It has a dramatic, neoclassical character valued in classical music and film scoring. B♭ harmonic minor produces powerful V–i cadences with F7 resolving to B♭m.
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 Bb 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 Bb Harmonic Minor are: Bbm, Cdim, Dbaug, Ebm, F, Gb, Adim. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Harmonic Minor?
B♭ harmonic minor (B♭, C, D♭, E♭, F, G♭, A) has five flats in its key signature and its raised 7th (A) creates the exotic augmented 2nd between G♭ and A. It has a dramatic, neoclassical character valued in classical music and film scoring. B♭ harmonic minor produces powerful V–i cadences with F7 resolving to B♭m.
What notes are in the Bb Harmonic Minor?
The Bb Harmonic Minor contains the notes: Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, Gb, A. This is a 7-note scale starting from Bb.
How many chords does the Bb Harmonic Minor have?
The Bb Harmonic Minor produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Bbm, Cdim, Dbaug, Ebm, F, Gb, Adim.
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
Bb is at the 10 o'clock position. Related keys: F (dominant), Eb (subdominant), G (relative minor), C (supertonic), Ab (subtonic).