Explore scales · Bass
E harmonic minor scale on bass guitar
E harmonic minor is E, F♯, G, A, B, C, D♯. Box 1 starts on string 2, fret 2 and keeps the raised seventh under your fingers.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the E harmonic minor scale on bass?
E 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 E string at fret 0 and the D 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) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
| 2 (D) | 1, 2 | D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
E harmonic minor in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 11 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the E string at fret 2 up to C on the G string at fret 5. The root falls on the D string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 3, 5 | F♯, G, A |
| 3 (A) | 2, 3 | B, C |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4, 5 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (G) | 2, 4, 5 | A, B, C |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
E harmonic minor in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 9 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 up to D♯ on the G string at fret 8. The root falls on the A 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) | 6, 7 | D♯, E |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 8 | C, D♯ |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
E harmonic minor in box 4 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 A string at fret 7 and the G string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 8 | B, C |
| 3 (A) | 7, 9, 10 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 1 (G) | 8, 9 | D♯, E |
Box 5 · frets 11–14
E harmonic minor in box 5 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 10 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the E string at fret 11 up to A on the G string at fret 14. The root falls on the E string at fret 12 and the D string at fret 14.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 11, 12, 14 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 12, 14 | A, B |
| 2 (D) | 13, 14 | D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 11, 12, 14 | F♯, G, A |
Why it sounds like that
Raise the seventh of E natural minor from D to D♯. The step pattern becomes W, H, W, W, H, 1½, H. The 1½-step between C and D♯ creates the scale's distinctive pull. Compare with E natural minor to hear the difference.
When to use it
Use E harmonic minor over E minor progressions that include B major, like Em–B–Em. It suits classical and flamenco styles. Try it with E minor and B major.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It covers frets 0–3 and places the root on string 2, fret 2, with the raised seventh on string 1, fret 11.
Common questions
What notes are in E harmonic minor?
E, F♯, G, A, B, C, and D♯. The raised seventh D♯ distinguishes it from natural minor. This creates a leading tone to the tonic E.
Which chords fit E harmonic minor?
The tonic chord is E minor, and the dominant is B major. The seventh degree forms D♯ diminished. Common progressions include Em–B–Em.
What is the step pattern for E harmonic minor?
The step pattern is W, H, W, W, H, 1½, H. The 1½-step between C and D♯ creates the augmented-second pull. This pattern defines the harmonic minor sound.