Psychology of Harmonic Minor Scale


The harmonic minor scale is similar to natural minor, but with a standard 7th instead of a flat 7th. Baroque (Bach and Handel), Liszt, Chopin, Pagannini, and much Eastern European music use it. Harmonic minor is the most standard form of the minor scale now.
This is the harmonic minor scale in A:


from germanguitarguy.com

When compared to natural minor, harmonic minor has a more harmonizing effect, and it lends itself better to more modern styles of composition than the former. It also takes on a more Eastern air, and the monastic vibe of the natural minor scale is avoided.
It is basically a default for composing in a minor key now. The only reasons I would avoid harmonic minor are for forays into either the austerity of natural minor or to temporarily modulate to major for a bit of an emotional boost. For some reason, when playing in A minor, I particularly like to modulate to A major for a bar or so, especially using the major 6th, as it's harder at times to use a major third when the listener's ear is used to minor thirds.
Dominant chords in harmonic minor are oozing full of tension. It has much higher capabilities for emotional tension/release than major, although that comes with a tradeoff that it is less pure and happy. Although harmonic minor is deep, it only has a moderate amount of versatility. It excels in dominant stacking chords, quiet wintry interludes, and serious melodies. I would say it has a scope from light and airy to very heavy and thumping, but as far as true emotional scope, it can only go so far. Basically every mode is limited in that manner, and honestly, harmonic minor is more versatile than some modes. Especially Locrian.
That said, some composers are experts at bringing out nuanced and varied emotions, and it's really amazing what can be done with talent and imagination.
Without using chromatism or changing scales or keys, no single scale will have the highest possible amount of emotional expression, as it just won't have enough choices. 
What is your favorite musical scale? Which work in harmonic minor do you like the most?
Until next time,
Azure


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