7-note scale

The harmonic minor scale on guitar

Natural minor with a raised 7th: dramatic, neoclassical and a little exotic.

Formula

1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 7

Step pattern

W – H – W – W – H – W+H – H

Sounds

dramatic, classical and slightly Middle Eastern

The harmonic minor scale is the natural minor scale with its 7th raised by a half step: 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 7. The gap between the ♭6 and the natural 7 is three semitones (an augmented 2nd), which gives the scale its exotic, dramatic flavour.

It exists for harmony: raising the 7th turns the minor key’s weak v chord into a strong major V (or V7), which pulls hard back to the i chord. That is the sound of classical cadences, Yngwie Malmsteen’s neoclassical metal and many flamenco and Middle-Eastern-flavoured melodies.

Harmonised, it produces i, ii°, ♭III+, iv, V, ♭VI and vii°. Its fifth mode, Phrygian dominant, is a favourite of metal and flamenco guitarists in its own right.

A harmonic minor by scale degree

Here is A harmonic minor across the neck, labelled by scale degree instead of note name. Because guitar shapes are movable, this same pattern works in every key: slide it so the red root lands on the note you want.

Harmonic Minor scale in all 12 keys

Pick a key for its notes, chords and fretboard diagrams.

When to use it

Use the harmonic minor scale over minor keys where the V chord is major (or V7), neoclassical metal, flamenco-flavoured and classical-style passages.

Practice tip: Use it mainly over the V7 chord of a minor key (E7 in A minor). That one move makes a minor progression sound instantly “classical”.