The raised 7th in E minor is D sharp (D#).
Understanding the 7th Degree in Minor Scales
In Western music theory, minor scales typically have a natural 7th degree. For the E natural minor scale, the notes are E, F#, G, A, B, C, D. Here, the 7th degree is D natural.
However, for specific harmonic purposes, particularly when creating strong resolutions to the tonic, this 7th degree is often raised. This alteration gives it the quality of a leading tone, which is a half-step below the tonic and creates a strong pull towards it.
Why is the 7th Degree Raised?
The practice of raising the 7th degree in a minor key is primarily to create a stronger sense of resolution and to form a major dominant chord, which functions similarly to how it does in a major key.
- Leading Tone Function: By raising the 7th degree (D natural to D sharp in E minor), a half-step interval is created between D# and E (the tonic). This half-step creates a powerful melodic pull, or "leading" sensation, directly to the tonic.
- Dominant Harmony: This raised 7th is crucial for forming the major dominant chord (V chord) in a minor key. In E minor, the dominant chord is built on B.
- Using the natural 7th (D natural) would result in a B minor chord (B-D-F#), which doesn't have the same strong leading-tone pull to E.
- By raising the 7th to D sharp, the dominant chord becomes B major (B-D#-F#). This B major chord has the D# leading tone, which resolves strongly to E in the tonic E minor chord, especially in cadences (harmonic progressions that conclude a musical phrase).
As outlined in Western theory, the 7th degree of the minor scale is frequently raised in cadences. For E minor, while D natural is the typical 7th degree, it is often raised to D sharp when cadencing. This D sharp serves as a leading tone, creating a strong pull towards the tonic E. For instance, the dominant chord of E minor, B major, incorporates this raised 7th, using B-D#-F# to lead effectively to E minor.
E Minor Scale Degrees
The following table illustrates the degrees of the E natural minor and E harmonic minor scales, highlighting the 7th degree:
| Scale Degree | E Natural Minor | E Harmonic Minor |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | E | E |
| 2nd | F# | F# |
| 3rd | G | G |
| 4th | A | A |
| 5th | B | B |
| 6th | C | C |
| 7th | D (natural) | D# (sharp) |
| 8th (Tonic) | E | E |
Practical Application
The raised 7th is a characteristic feature of the harmonic minor scale, which is specifically constructed to facilitate this strong dominant-tonic relationship. Composers frequently use the harmonic minor scale (or simply raise the 7th when needed) in their compositions to achieve powerful cadential movements.
- Chord Voicings: When playing a V7 chord in E minor (B7), the D# is an essential component, creating the dominant seventh sound (B-D#-F#-A).
- Melodic Lines: Melodies often use the raised 7th to create tension and resolution, particularly leading into the tonic.
- Cadences: In perfect cadences (V-I), the D# in the B major/B7 chord resolves smoothly to the E in the E minor chord, providing a conclusive feel.
By understanding the role of the raised 7th, musicians can effectively utilize the harmonic possibilities within minor keys, enhancing both melodic and harmonic progressions.
