Explore scales · Bass
A harmonic minor scale on bass guitar
A harmonic minor is A, B, C, D, E, F, G♯. Box 1 keeps the raised seventh under your first finger for quick resolutions.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the A harmonic minor scale on bass?
A harmonic minor in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to A on the G string at fret 2. The root falls on the A string at fret 0 and the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 1 | E, F |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2, 3 | D, E, F |
| 1 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
Box 2 · frets 5–8
A harmonic minor in box 2 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 10 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 up to D on the G string at fret 7. The root falls on the E string at fret 5 and the D string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
| 3 (A) | 5, 7, 8 | D, E, F |
| 2 (D) | 6, 7 | G♯, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
A harmonic minor in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 11 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to F on the G string at fret 10. The root falls on the D string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 3 (A) | 7, 8 | E, F |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
Box 4 · frets 10–13
A harmonic minor in box 4 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 9 notes across 4 strings, from D on the E string at fret 10 up to G♯ on the G string at fret 13. The root falls on the A string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 12, 13 | D, E, F |
| 3 (A) | 11, 12 | G♯, A |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 1 (G) | 10, 13 | F, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
Raise the seventh of A natural minor from G to G♯ and the scale becomes A harmonic minor. The pattern is W, H, W, W, H, 1½, H. That 1½-step between F and G♯ creates the distinctive augmented-second pull. Compare it with A natural minor to hear the difference.
When to use it
Use A harmonic minor over A minor progressions that include E major, like Am–E–Am. It fits classical cadences and flamenco lines. Try it with A minor and E major.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It places the root on string 4, fret 5 and covers frets 0–3, anchoring the raised seventh on the first string.
Common questions
What notes are in A harmonic minor?
A, B, C, D, E, F, and G♯. The raised seventh G♯ distinguishes it from natural minor. This creates a leading tone to the tonic A.
Which chords fit A harmonic minor?
The tonic chord is A minor, and the dominant is E major. The seventh degree forms G♯ diminished. Common progressions include Am–E–Am.
What is the step pattern for A harmonic minor?
The step pattern is W, H, W, W, H, 1½, H. The 1½-step between F and G♯ creates the augmented-second pull. This pattern defines the harmonic minor sound.