Explore scales · Ukulele
A harmonic minor scale on ukulele
A harmonic minor runs A, B, C, D, E, F, G♯. Box 1 places the root on string 4, fret 2 for a compact four-string grip.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the A harmonic minor scale on ukulele?
A harmonic minor in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 9 notes across 4 strings, from C on the C string at fret 0 up to C on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the G string at fret 2 and the A string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 0, 1 | E, F |
| 1 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
A harmonic minor in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 11 notes across 4 strings, from D on the C string at fret 2 up to D on the A string at fret 5. The root falls on the G string at fret 2 and the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 4, 5 | A, B, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4, 5 | D, E, F |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5 | G♯, A |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
A harmonic minor in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 10 notes across 4 strings, from E on the C string at fret 4 up to E on the A string at fret 7. The root falls on the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 5, 7 | B, C, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5 | E, F |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
A harmonic minor in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 9 notes across 4 strings, from A on the C string at fret 9 up to A on the A string at fret 12. The root falls on the C string at fret 9 and the A string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 10 | E, F |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11, 12 | A, B, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 11, 12 | G♯, A |
Why it sounds like that
A harmonic minor is A natural minor with G raised to G♯. The raised seventh creates a leading tone and a three-semitone step from F to G♯. Compare A natural minor to hear the difference. The scale contains a tritone between B and F.
When to use it
A harmonic minor fits A minor and A 5th chords. Use it over minor progressions in A, especially when the V chord is E major. The G♯ adds a classical or neoclassical flavour to rock and metal lines.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 4, fret 2, keeping the hand in frets 0–3 for quick access to the leading tone.
Common questions
What notes are in A harmonic minor?
A harmonic minor contains A, B, C, D, E, F, and G♯. The G♯ is the raised seventh degree, which distinguishes it from A natural minor.
Which chords fit A harmonic minor?
A harmonic minor works over A minor and A 5th chords. The G♯ also supports E major, the dominant chord in the key of A minor.
What is the key signature of A harmonic minor?
A harmonic minor has no sharps or flats in its key signature. The G♯ is an accidental raised from the natural minor scale.