Harmonic minor modes chart + uses

The harmonic minor scale (1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7) creates a strong dominant in minor keys. Its seven modes are common in jazz and modern harmony.

The seven modes

1. Harmonic minor (Aeolian #7) – Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7. Used for minor tonality with a leading tone. Open in A
2. Locrian nat6 (Locrian 6) – Formula: 1 b2 b3 4 b5 6 b7. Common over half‑diminished chords resolving to V. Open in A
3. Ionian #5 (Augmented major) – Formula: 1 2 3 4 #5 6 7. Bright major sound with an augmented fifth. Open in A
4. Dorian #4 (Ukrainian Dorian) – Formula: 1 2 b3 #4 5 6 b7. Exotic minor color; great on minor chords with sharp 11. Open in A
5. Phrygian dominant – Formula: 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 b7. Classic V7 in minor, flamenco, Middle‑Eastern and klezmer flavors. Open in E (dominant of A minor)
6. Lydian #2 (Lydian 9) – Formula: 1 #2 3 #4 5 6 7. Dreamy major with bright #9/#11 colors. Open in A
7. Super‑Locrian bb7 – Formula: 1 b2 b3 b4 b5 b6 bb7. Altered dominant sound; use over V7alt resolving to minor. Open in A

Tip: In minor keys, try switching from natural minor to harmonic minor to hear the raised 7th create stronger pull to tonic.

Minor key cadences: i – iv – V (use harmonic minor over V).
Secondary dominants: Phrygian dominant highlights the V7(b9) sound.
Color on minor chords: Dorian #4 gives a sharp‑11 tension against minor harmony.