B♭ harmonic minor scale

The scale follows the harmonic minor pattern: B♭ to C (whole), C to D♭ (half), D♭ to E♭ (whole), E♭ to F (whole), F to G♭ (half), G♭ to A (augmented second), and A to B♭ (half). This progression creates the distinctive dark and exotic sound characteristic of harmonic minor scales.

B♭ harmonic minor is particularly effective in jazz and orchestral music, especially for wind instruments that are naturally tuned in B♭. The scale's five flats (B♭, D♭, E♭, G♭, plus the natural A) create a rich, warm tonality that works well with brass and woodwind instruments. Its exotic flavor, derived from the augmented second interval, makes it particularly effective in creating dramatic tension in jazz solos and classical compositions. The scale's relationship to both B♭ major and B♭ natural minor provides rich possibilities for modal mixture and harmonic development. The raised seventh also facilitates the creation of diminished seventh chords, which are essential for creating tension in jazz harmony and classical music.