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