Harmonic minor/pentatonic problem

[MEKer]

OK, correct me if wrong or elucidate please:

If the harmonic minor sharpens the 7th, you've made, in effect a half minor/half major scale (more of less).

But then, could you have a harmonic minor pentatonic utilizing that 7th (or using it only as an approach) or are you stuck thinking there is no such thing as a harmonic minor pentatonic?
And if the true pentatonic structure is defined 1,2,3,5,6 (which I saw in a book) it would not matter either way.

OK, what am I missing here, please.

[PlanetEarth]

Keep in mind with minor pentatonic the 6 scale degree is en-harmonically a b7.

Application really depends on the situation - In general, I've used what you could refer to as Dorian with the extra half-step between the b7 and the root in some instances. Heard it called a lot of things but the situation dictates the usage.

Take out the 2nd and 6th degree of that (alternatively the b7) and I guess you would have something you could dub HM Pent... ????

-PE

[mambo4]

Let's define things in terms of the major scale:
Maj scale: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Maj pentatonic: 1 2 3 5 6

Min scale: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Min pentatonic 1 b3 4 5 b7

You probably know that the minor pent is the same notes as the major pent , just started on the 6th instead of the 1. Usually, "pentatonic scale" refers to this exact sequence of whole steps and 3rds as derived from the major scale.

But in a technical sense you could string together any 5 note sequence and call it pentatonic.

So, I've never heard of a harmonic minor pentatonic, but you could invent one I suppose, by using the major 7th:

harmonic min: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Harmonic Min Pent: 1 b3 4 5 7

Not sure how useful that'd be tho.

Originally Posted by PlanetEarth

Keep in mind with minor pentatonic the 6 scale degree is en-harmonically a b7.

not quite. Minor pent =1 b3 4 5 b7
the "6th degree" is an octave.
the 5th note in the sequence is the b7.

[MalcolmAmos]

Here are the major, natural minor, melodic and harmonic all on one sheet of paper.
http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/Stu...les/index.html

Yes, you have to scroll the screen down.

Have fun.

[MEKer]

Hmm, thanks for the answers. Enlightening. So other than going the "any 5 notes can be considered a pentatonic" route, a harmonic minor really would not have a true pent. Just as I suspicioned. Thanks, all.