Harmonic and melodic minor chord function

Harmonic and Melodic Minor Chord Function

The study of music theory encompasses various scales and their corresponding chord functions. Within the minor key system, there are three variants: natural, harmonic, and melodic. Understanding the unique characteristics and chord functions of the harmonic and melodic minor scales is crucial for composers and musicians. This article delves into the harmonic and melodic minor scales, their chord functions, and their relationship to the natural minor scale.

The Harmonic and Melodic Minor Scales

The natural minor scale serves as the foundational scale in the minor key system. However, the harmonic and melodic minor scales introduce alterations to specific scale degrees, resulting in distinct tonal qualities and chord functions.

The harmonic minor scale incorporates a raised seventh scale degree, which provides it with a leading tone similar to the major system. This alteration enhances the sense of tension and resolution within the scale. On the other hand, the melodic minor scale includes a raised sixth and seventh scale degree. This modification contributes to both the ascending and descending melodic characteristics of the scale.

Chord Functions in Functional Harmony

In functional harmony, chord functions are categorized as tonic, pre-dominant, and dominant. These functions dictate the harmonic movement and create a sense of stability, tension, and resolution within a musical composition.

The tonic function is typically associated with the I or i chord, which establishes a sense of tonal center and stability. The pre-dominant function includes chords such as iii, vi, bIII, bVI, and bVII. These chords create harmonic tension and lead to the dominant function.

The dominant function encompasses the V and viio chords, which generate significant tension and seek resolution to the tonic. This harmonic movement is a fundamental aspect of the Common Practice Era and contributes to the overall structure and drama of musical compositions.

Chord Functions in the Harmonic and Melodic Minor Scales

The harmonic and melodic minor scales provide additional chord options and variations within the minor key system. These alterations expand the tonal palette and offer composers and musicians a broader range of harmonic possibilities.

The diatonic chord set for the minor key includes the following chords: i, iio, III, iv, v, VI, VII. These chords form the foundation of the minor key and create a sense of tonality and harmonic progression.

Additionally, the harmonic treatment of the raised sixth and seventh scale degrees in the harmonic and melodic minor scales generates extra chords. These include the IV, V, and viio chords, which add further harmonic complexity and potential for tension and resolution within the minor key.

Conclusion

The harmonic and melodic minor scales play significant roles in the tonal palette of the minor key system. By introducing alterations to specific scale degrees, they offer composers and musicians unique harmonic possibilities and tonal qualities. Understanding the chord functions within the harmonic and melodic minor scales enhances one’s ability to create expressive and dynamic musical compositions.

Sources

1. Justin Rubin Theory Resources. Common Practice Era Scales, Intervals, and Chord Functions. Dr. Justin Henry Rubin © 2006. Available at: https://www.d.umn.edu/~jrubin1/JHR%20Theory%20Scales.htm.
2. Music: Practice & Theory Stack Exchange. Harmonic and melodic minor chord function. Available at: https://music.stackexchange.com/questions/30995/harmonic-and-melodic-minor-chord-function.
3. Hear and Play Music Learning Center. The Relationship Between The Harmonic And Melodic Minor Scales. Available at: https://www.hearandplay.com/main/the-relationship-between-the-harmonic-and-melodic-minor-scales.

FAQs

What are the differences between natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales?

The natural minor scale is the foundational scale in the minor key system. The harmonic minor scale includes a raised seventh scale degree, providing it with a leading tone similar to the major system. The melodic minor scale incorporates a raised sixth and seventh scale degree, contributing to both ascending and descending melodic characteristics.

What is the significance of chord functions in functional harmony?

Chord functions, such as tonic, pre-dominant, and dominant, play a crucial role in creating harmonic movement and establishing a sense of stability, tension, and resolution within a musical composition.

How do harmonic and melodic minor scales affect chord functions in the minor key?

The harmonic and melodic minor scales introduce alterations to specific scale degrees, which expand the tonal palette and offer composers and musicians additional chord options. These alterations create new chord functions and add harmonic complexity within the minor key.

What are the chord functions associated with the harmonic minor scale?

In the harmonic minor scale, the raised seventh scale degree allows for a leading tone, creating a dominant function. The V and viio chords are commonly used to build tension and seek resolution to the tonic.

How do the melodic minor scale’s chord functions differ from those of the harmonic minor scale?

The melodic minor scale, with its raised sixth and seventh scale degrees, introduces additional chord functions compared to the harmonic minor scale. These include the IV, V, and viio chords, which contribute to the harmonic complexity and tonal possibilities within the minor key.

Can the harmonic and melodic minor scales be used in both ascending and descending passages?

Yes, the harmonic and melodic minor scales can be used in both ascending and descending passages. While there is a common misconception that the melodic minor scale has different ascending and descending forms, numerous examples from the literature demonstrate the use of raised sixth and seventh scale degrees in both directions.

What is the diatonic chord set in the minor key, and how does it relate to the harmonic and melodic minor scales?

The diatonic chord set for the minor key includes chords such as i, iio, III, iv, v, VI, and VII. These chords form the foundation of the minor key and are derived from the natural minor scale. The harmonic and melodic minor scales introduce additional chords, such as IV, V, and viio, through alterations of specific scale degrees.

How do harmonic and melodic minor chord functions contribute to musical composition and expression?

Understanding the chord functions within the harmonic and melodic minor scales provides composers and musicians with a broader harmonic palette and tonal possibilities. These chord functions allow for the creation of tension, release, and expressive musical compositions, adding depth and emotional impact to the music.