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C♯ Harmonic Minor

Natural minor with a raised 7th, creating a strong leading tone back to the tonic. The augmented second between the 6th and 7th gives it an exotic, Middle-Eastern flavor.

7B♯♭3E♭6A7B♯♭3E♭6A1C♯2D♯4F♯5G♯1C♯2D♯4F♯5G♯

Notes

1C♯
2D♯
♭3E
4F♯
5G♯
♭6A
7B♯

Common progressions

iivV
C♯mF♯mG♯

The basic minor cadence. In harmonic minor the V becomes a major chord, creating a strong pull back to the tonic.

iVIvii°
C♯mAB♯°

Step-wise ascending progression heard throughout rock and metal.

ivii°VIV
C♯mB♯°AG♯

The Andalusian cadence — a descending tetrachord foundational in flamenco and Western classical music.

iiø7V7i(maj7)
D♯m7♭5G♯7C♯m(maj7)

The minor ii–V–i. The ii is half-diminished; in harmonic minor the V becomes a dominant 7, the classic minor-key turnaround.