Explore scales · Ukulele
B harmonic minor scale on ukulele
B harmonic minor runs B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G, A♯. Box 1 places the root on string 4, fret 4 for a four-string grip.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the B harmonic minor scale on ukulele?
B harmonic minor in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 10 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the C string at fret 1 up to C♯ on the A string at fret 4. The root falls on the G string at fret 4 and the A string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3, 4 | A♯, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 2, 4 | C♯, D, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3 | F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 1, 2, 4 | A♯, B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
B harmonic minor in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 11 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 G string at fret 4 and the E string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 6, 7 | B, C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6, 7 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (E) | 6, 7 | A♯, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5, 7 | C♯, D, E |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
B harmonic minor in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 10 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the C string at fret 6 up to F♯ on the A string at fret 9. The root falls on the E string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 7, 9 | C♯, D, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 7 | F♯, G |
| 2 (E) | 6, 7, 9 | A♯, B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
Why it sounds like that
B harmonic minor is B natural minor with A raised to A♯. The raised seventh creates a leading tone and a three-semitone step from G to A♯. Compare B natural minor to hear the difference. The scale contains a tritone between C♯ and G.
When to use it
B harmonic minor fits B minor and B 5th chords. Use it over minor progressions in B, especially when the V chord is F♯ major. The A♯ 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 4, keeping the hand in frets 1–4 for quick access to the leading tone.
Common questions
What notes are in B harmonic minor?
B harmonic minor contains B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G, and A♯. The A♯ is the raised seventh degree, which distinguishes it from B natural minor.
Which chords fit B harmonic minor?
B harmonic minor works over B minor and B 5th chords. The A♯ also supports F♯ major, the dominant chord in the key of B minor.
What is the key signature of B harmonic minor?
B harmonic minor has two sharps in its key signature. The A♯ is an accidental raised from the natural minor scale.