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