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