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