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 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 F♯ harmonic minor scale on bass?
F♯ harmonic minor in box 1 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 E string at fret 2 and the D string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 4, 5 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 3 (A) | 2, 4, 5 | B, C♯, D |
| 2 (D) | 3, 4 | E♯, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
F♯ harmonic minor in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 11 notes across 4 strings, from G♯ on the E string at fret 4 up to D on the G string at fret 7. The root falls on the D string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
| 3 (A) | 4, 5 | C♯, D |
| 2 (D) | 4, 6, 7 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 1 (G) | 4, 6, 7 | B, C♯, D |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
F♯ harmonic minor in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 9 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to E♯ on the G string at fret 10. The root falls on the A 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) | 8, 9 | E♯, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 1 (G) | 7, 10 | D, E♯ |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
F♯ harmonic minor in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 10 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the E string at fret 9 up to F♯ on the G string at fret 11. The root falls on the A string at fret 9 and the G string at fret 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 10 | C♯, D |
| 3 (A) | 9, 11, 12 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (D) | 9, 11, 12 | B, C♯, D |
| 1 (G) | 10, 11 | 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 distinctive pull. Compare with F♯ natural minor to hear the difference.
When to use it
Use F♯ harmonic minor over F♯ minor progressions that include C♯ major, like F♯m–C♯–F♯m. It suits classical and neoclassical lines. Try it with F♯ minor and C♯ major.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It covers frets 2–5 and places the root on string 4, fret 2, with the raised seventh on string 2, fret 3.
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♯. It is also spelled G♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
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 F♯m–C♯–F♯m.
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.