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A harmonic minor scale on guitar
A harmonic minor uses A, B, C, D, E, F, G♯. Box 1 places the root on string 6 fret 5 for a compact five-fret span.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the A harmonic minor scale on guitar?
A harmonic minor in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 15 notes across 6 strings, from E on the low E string at fret 0 up to F on the high e string at fret 1. The root falls on the A string at fret 0 and the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 0, 1 | E, F |
| 5 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
| 4 (D) | 0, 2, 3 | D, E, F |
| 3 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
| 2 (B) | 0, 1, 3 | B, C, D |
| 1 (e) | 0, 1 | E, F |
Box 2 · frets 5–8
A harmonic minor in box 2 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 15 notes across 6 strings, from A on the low E string at fret 5 up to C on the high e string at fret 8. The root falls on the low E string at fret 5, the D string at fret 7 and the high e string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
| 5 (A) | 5, 7, 8 | D, E, F |
| 4 (D) | 6, 7 | G♯, A |
| 3 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
| 2 (B) | 5, 6 | E, F |
| 1 (e) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
A harmonic minor in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 16 notes across 6 strings, from B on the low E string at fret 7 up to D on the high e string at fret 10. The root falls on the D string at fret 7 and the B string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 5 (A) | 7, 8 | E, F |
| 4 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 3 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
| 2 (B) | 9, 10 | G♯, A |
| 1 (e) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
Box 4 · frets 10–13
A harmonic minor in box 4 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 15 notes across 6 strings, from D on the low E string at fret 10 up to F on the high e string at fret 13. The root falls on the A string at fret 12 and the B string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 10, 12, 13 | D, E, F |
| 5 (A) | 11, 12 | G♯, A |
| 4 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 3 (G) | 10, 13 | F, G♯ |
| 2 (B) | 10, 12, 13 | A, B, C |
| 1 (e) | 10, 12, 13 | D, E, F |
Why it sounds like that
A harmonic minor raises the seventh degree of A natural minor from G to G♯, creating a leading tone. The scale follows W, H, W, W, H, 1½, H. The augmented second between F and G♯ gives it a distinctive Middle Eastern color. Compare with A natural minor to hear the raised seventh.
When to use it
Use A harmonic minor over A minor and A 5th chords. It also fits E major as the dominant. The raised seventh creates a strong pull to the tonic, making it ideal for classical cadences and flamenco progressions.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root on string 6 fret 5 keeps the hand in one position. It covers frets 0–3 and sets up Box 2.
Common questions
What notes are in A harmonic minor?
A harmonic minor contains A, B, C, D, E, F, and G♯. The raised seventh is G♯. The scale has an augmented second between F and G♯.
Which chords does A harmonic minor fit?
A harmonic minor fits A minor and A 5th chords. It also works over E major as the dominant. The scale outlines an A minor tonality with a major V chord.
How does A harmonic minor differ from A natural minor?
A harmonic minor raises the seventh degree from G to G♯. This creates a leading tone that pulls strongly to the tonic. The natural minor has a whole step between the sixth and seventh degrees.