E♭ harmonic minor (E♭, F, G♭, A♭, B♭, C♭, D) has six flats in its key signature and its raised 7th (D) creates the exotic augmented 2nd between C♭ and D. It has a dark, neoclassical character that appears in classical music, film scoring, and metal. E♭ harmonic minor is less common but valued for its dramatic tension.
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 Eb 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 Eb Harmonic Minor are: Ebm, Fdim, Gbaug, Abm, Bb, B, Ddim. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Harmonic Minor?
E♭ harmonic minor (E♭, F, G♭, A♭, B♭, C♭, D) has six flats in its key signature and its raised 7th (D) creates the exotic augmented 2nd between C♭ and D. It has a dark, neoclassical character that appears in classical music, film scoring, and metal. E♭ harmonic minor is less common but valued for its dramatic tension.
What notes are in the Eb Harmonic Minor?
The Eb Harmonic Minor contains the notes: Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb, Cb, D. This is a 7-note scale starting from Eb.
How many chords does the Eb Harmonic Minor have?
The Eb Harmonic Minor produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Ebm, Fdim, Gbaug, Abm, Bb, B, Ddim.
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
Eb is at the 9 o'clock position. Related keys: Bb (dominant), Ab (subdominant), C (relative minor), F (supertonic), C# (subtonic).