Piano Owl
scale

B♭ Harmonic Major

The B♭ Harmonic Major scale is a major scale with a lowered sixth degree, transforming B♭ Major by replacing G natural with G♭. This creates a distinctive augmented second interval between G♭ and A, giving the scale an exotic character popular in film music and jazz. Related to B♭ Harmonic Minor, this scale offers unique harmonic colors for wind instruments and pianists.

Symbol
B♭ harmonic
Key
b flat
Scale Type
harmonic major
Cardinality
heptatonic
Number of Notes
8
Notes
B♭, C, D, E♭, F, G♭, A, B♭
Intervals from Root
M2, M3, P4, P5, m6, M7

The augmented second between G♭ and A creates the scale's characteristic exotic sound, spanning three semitones. This interval evokes Mediterranean and Middle Eastern musical traditions while maintaining major tonality. Jazz musicians employ B♭ harmonic major over B♭maj7 chords to create sophisticated chromatic tension, while film composers use it to blend grandeur with mystery. The scale's layout is particularly comfortable for wind instruments, making it accessible for brass and woodwind players exploring exotic tonalities beyond standard major scales.

Chords in B♭ Harmonic Major

Explore B♭ Harmonic Major scale piano chords.

C Minor

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