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SCALE · ON OBOE

A♭ Harmonic Minor

Natural minor with a raised 7th, restoring the leading-tone pull to the tonic. The augmented 2nd between ♭6 and ♮7 gives it its characteristic exotic edge.

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Tempo120 bpm

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Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 5 title A♭ Harmonic Minor Verovio
Keyboard
GC♭F♭GC♭F♭GC♭F♭GA♭B♭D♭E♭A♭B♭D♭E♭A♭B♭D♭E♭
Related scales
Diatonic chord harmonisation
Same scale, other instruments
Same scale, other tonics
Modes built on this tonic
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Theory reference
Questions
What notes are in the A♭ Harmonic Minor scale?

The A♭ Harmonic Minor scale uses the notes A♭, B♭, C♭, D♭, E♭, F♭, G (one octave; the pattern repeats at higher registers).

What's the Harmonic Minor scale formula?

The Harmonic Minor scale follows the interval pattern W H W W H W+H H, where W = whole step (2 semitones) and H = half step (1 semitone). Apply that pattern starting on A♭ to get the A♭ Harmonic Minor scale.

What chords work over A♭ Harmonic Minor?

Harmonic minor's diatonic chords include i minor, ii°, ♭III+ augmented, iv minor, V major (with the leading tone), ♭VI major, vii° diminished. V→i is the strong cadence.

How do I finger A♭ Harmonic Minor on Oboe?

On double reeds, scales train reed control + register changes + the half-hole / full-hole register transition. Slow practice exposes pitch instability the player can correct with embouchure.

When would I use the Harmonic Minor scale?

Natural minor with a raised 7th, restoring the leading-tone pull to the tonic. The augmented 2nd between ♭6 and ♮7 gives it its characteristic exotic edge.