Demonstration of Harmonic Minor Modes Over Major, Minor and Diminished Chords #4

John Stowell and Mike Gaudette continue their harmony conversation series, this time applying the harmonic minor modes to major, minor and diminished chords. Building on the previous class (harmonic minor over dominants), they trade voicings and perspectives, mixing harmonic minor chords and arpeggios with the basic harmony so you always hear the foundation underneath the tension.

What's covered

• The two harmonic minor modes that generate tension over a major chord: the 3rd mode (major 6 #5 — A harmonic minor over C major) and the 6th mode (Lydian #9 — E harmonic minor over C major)
• Hearing Lydian #9 as a slash chord: a B triad over C, or a diminished major 7
• The tonic diminished move — playing ii–V–I°–I as D minor, G7, E harmonic minor, C major
• Treating unusual notes (like F natural over C major) as embellishments heading back into the scale
• Tensions created over minor chords, and diminished treated as altered dominant harmony
• Implied V chords using harmonic minor modes, reinforcing material from the earlier classes

Intermediate players who have followed the earlier melodic and harmonic minor sessions will find this a natural next step, with practical ways to hear and practice each new color. Includes a download.