F♯ harmonic minor (F♯, G♯, A, B, C♯, D, E♯) has three sharps in its key signature and its raised 7th (E♯) creates the exotic augmented 2nd between D and E♯. It has a neoclassical, dramatic quality valued in metal and progressive rock. F♯ harmonic minor works over F♯m progressions with C♯7 as the V chord.
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 F# 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 F# Harmonic Minor are: F#m, G#dim, Aaug, Bm, C#, D, Fdim. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Harmonic Minor?
F♯ harmonic minor (F♯, G♯, A, B, C♯, D, E♯) has three sharps in its key signature and its raised 7th (E♯) creates the exotic augmented 2nd between D and E♯. It has a neoclassical, dramatic quality valued in metal and progressive rock. F♯ harmonic minor works over F♯m progressions with C♯7 as the V chord.
What notes are in the F# Harmonic Minor?
The F# Harmonic Minor contains the notes: F#, G#, A, B, C#, D, E#. This is a 7-note scale starting from F#.
How many chords does the F# Harmonic Minor have?
The F# Harmonic Minor produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: F#m, G#dim, Aaug, Bm, C#, D, Fdim.
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
F# is at the 6 o'clock position. Related keys: C# (dominant), B (subdominant), Eb (relative minor), Ab (supertonic), E (subtonic).