Dominant Chord in minor key?

Question

In a minor key, e.g. E minor, if you take the dominant triad, it contains the leading note. Is the leading note of the **natural minor** or the major for the dominant triad? So for E minor dominant triad is it (B,**D#**,F#) or (B,**D**,F#)?

Answer 1

A dominant triad (V chord) is always going to be major. So you need to spell a major chord. B-D-F# is a minor triad, so right away that tells you it isn't correct. Key of Eminor would have B major chord as it's dominant (or B7 if it's a dominant 7th chord). You could possible use a minor V, but that would give your piece a modal flavor, which you may not be going for.

Answer 2

Great question!

Theoretically, in this natural minor key, you would not have that half-step leading tone at the 7th scale degree, as the 7th scale degree, D, would be a whole step away from our tonic, E. This is why you see the harmonic minor and melodic minor variations to the natural minor scale that incorporate a #7 into the scale. So, to answer your question, the dominant V chord in the key of E minor would be B major (B, D#, and F#), but if that chord was being used, you would technically be in a harmonic or melodic minor scale, not a natural minor scale.

I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any questions.

Adam