Harmonic Major Piano Scales

The harmonic major scale is a variation of the major scale with a lowered sixth degree, creating an augmented second interval between the sixth and seventh notes. It follows the interval pattern: whole, whole, half, whole, half, augmented second, half (W-W-H-W-H-W½-H), or 2-2-1-2-1-3-1 in semitones. This scale can be thought of as the inverse of harmonic minor - a major scale with the characteristic augmented second interval. The harmonic major scale has an exotic, dramatic quality that blends major tonality with Middle Eastern or Spanish flavors. It's used in jazz, film scoring, and contemporary classical music to create unique harmonic colors and is particularly effective over major chords with altered tones.