Which minor scale has a raised seventh degree?

Which minor scale has a raised seventh degree?

• A. Natural minor
• B. Melodic minor
• C. Major
• D. Harmonic minor

Answer: (D)

Raising the seventh degree in a minor scale creates a leading tone that strongly resolves to the tonic. In natural minor, the seventh is flat, which softens the cadence. When the seventh is raised, as in the harmonic minor, the scale moves to 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7, giving that crisp pull back to the tonic. This leading-tone effect is the defining feature of the harmonic minor. The melodic minor also raises the seventh (and the sixth) when ascending, but the raised seventh by itself—the characteristic commonly taught for this concept—is most directly associated with the harmonic minor. Natural minor and major scales don’t embody this specific raised-seventh alteration in the same way.

Raising the seventh degree in a minor scale creates a leading tone that strongly resolves to the tonic. In natural minor, the seventh is flat, which softens the cadence. When the seventh is raised, as in the harmonic minor, the scale moves to 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7, giving that crisp pull back to the tonic. This leading-tone effect is the defining feature of the harmonic minor. The melodic minor also raises the seventh (and the sixth) when ascending, but the raised seventh by itself—the characteristic commonly taught for this concept—is most directly associated with the harmonic minor. Natural minor and major scales don’t embody this specific raised-seventh alteration in the same way.