In the harmonic minor scale, which degree is raised?

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Study for the Praxis Music Content and Instruction (5114) Test. Prepare with multiple choice questions and materials, complete with explanations and clarifications. Master the content and excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

In the harmonic minor scale, which degree is raised?

Explanation:
Raising the seventh degree is what defines the harmonic minor scale. This creates a leading tone that strongly resolves to the tonic, giving the scale a powerful dominant pull. For example, in A minor, natural minor is A B C D E F G A, but harmonic minor raises the seventh to G#, yielding A B C D E F G# A. The sixth degree stays lowered as in natural minor, which is why only the seventh is raised in harmonic minor. This distinction also helps explain why the harmony on the dominant becomes stronger and why melodic minor is different, since melodic minor raises both the sixth and seventh when ascending.

Raising the seventh degree is what defines the harmonic minor scale. This creates a leading tone that strongly resolves to the tonic, giving the scale a powerful dominant pull. For example, in A minor, natural minor is A B C D E F G A, but harmonic minor raises the seventh to G#, yielding A B C D E F G# A. The sixth degree stays lowered as in natural minor, which is why only the seventh is raised in harmonic minor. This distinction also helps explain why the harmony on the dominant becomes stronger and why melodic minor is different, since melodic minor raises both the sixth and seventh when ascending.

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