“What’s the deal with these i-VII-VI-V and iv-V-VII chords and stuff?” The chords in the minor mode can be more flexible than the chords in the major mode.
Why? Because the impact of the harmonic and melodic minor scales can be much greater than what we talked about in the section above.
- For example, in A minor, the F# and G# can be used in any chord that contains the natural versions of those notes.
- This will transform the chords so that they sound radically different.
- Listen to the soundtracks for the harmonic and melodic minor keys above.
- You’ll hear a big difference between them and the natural minor.
The impact of the harmonic minor scale on the chords:
- The G# transforms the III chord from a major to an augmented chord.
- It changes the v triad from minor to major and turns the VII chord from major to diminished.
The impact of the melodic minor scale on the chords:
- In addition to having all the chords altered by the G#, the melodic minor transforms any chord that contains an F.
- The F# alters the ii(b5) chord from a diminished to a minor triad.
- It switches the iv chord from minor to major and converts the VI triad from major to diminished.
- Things can get even crazier when you start adding in seventh chords.
Having said this, you won’t find these chords outside of classical, jazz, or jazz influenced pop too often.