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