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Harmonic minor

Scale

Harmonic minor

Natural minor with a raised 7th. Creates a strong leading tone and a characteristic augmented second between b6 and 7.

RootCAdvanced1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7

01Fretboard

Positions on the neck

Position

Position 1 / frets 0 - 4

Intervals

  • 1
  • 2
  • b3
  • 4
  • 5
  • b6
  • 7

Example in C

C D Eb F G Ab B

Used in

  • Neoclassical
  • Metal
  • Flamenco
  • Film

02Interactive

Play This Scale

Interactive

Play This Scale

Watch the notes light up in the order you should play them across the fretboard.

Key

Position

Display

Intervals in this scale

  • 1Root
  • 2Major second
  • b3Minor third
  • 4Perfect fourth
  • 5Perfect fifth
  • b6Minor sixth
  • 7Major seventh

Practice tip

Start slowly. Listen to how the root and characteristic intervals define the sound of the scale.

Show full note sequence
  1. 1. E (String 6, Fret 0)
  2. 2. F (String 6, Fret 1)
  3. 3. G# (String 6, Fret 4)
  4. 4. A (String 6, Fret 5)
  5. 5. A (String 5, Fret 0)
  6. 6. B (String 5, Fret 2)
  7. 7. C (String 5, Fret 3)
  8. 8. D (String 5, Fret 5)
  9. 9. D (String 4, Fret 0)
  10. 10. E (String 4, Fret 2)
  11. 11. F (String 4, Fret 3)
  12. 12. G# (String 3, Fret 1)
  13. 13. A (String 3, Fret 2)
  14. 14. B (String 3, Fret 4)
  15. 15. B (String 2, Fret 0)
  16. 16. C (String 3, Fret 5)
  17. 17. C (String 2, Fret 1)
  18. 18. D (String 2, Fret 3)
  19. 19. E (String 2, Fret 5)
  20. 20. E (String 1, Fret 0)
  21. 21. F (String 1, Fret 1)
  22. 22. G# (String 1, Fret 4)
  23. 23. A (String 1, Fret 5)

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03Progressions

Common progressions in this scale

  • Pop

    I V vi IV

    C G Am F

    Optimistic, instantly familiar.

  • Blues

    I IV V

    A D E

    Twelve bar blues, the foundation of rock.

  • Modal

    i bVII bVI

    Am G F

    Cinematic, used in many film themes.

Preview

04Practice

Exercises to internalize this scale

  • Three notes per string

    Run the shape up and down using strict alternate picking.

    10 minutes

  • Target tones

    Land on the root or third of the underlying chord on beat one.

    10 minutes

  • Phrasing motifs

    Pick a three note motif and develop it across two octaves.

    10 minutes

05Related

Related scales

Practice this scale every day

Take this scale into your daily practice

Use POLPROG companion apps to repeat the phrase, slow it down and structure your sessions until the scale is in your fingers.

Practice app by POLPROG

RiffMentor

Your Personal Practice Coach

A virtual music practice coach built by POLPROG. Get structured sessions, personal recommendations and consistency tools that keep your hands on the instrument.

Open app page

Browser extension by POLPROG

LoopIt

Loop, Slow Down and Master Any Video Phrase

A browser extension by POLPROG that lets musicians loop any video segment with precision and slow it down for focused practice.

Open app page