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