Explore scales · Ukulele
C harmonic minor scale on ukulele
C harmonic minor runs C, D, E♭, F, G, A♭, B. Box 1 places the root on string 4, fret 5 for a four-string grip.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the C harmonic minor scale on ukulele?
C 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 C string at fret 0 and the A string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 1 | G, A♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2, 3 | C, D, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3 | B, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
C harmonic minor in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 10 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 5 and the A string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 3, 5 | D, E♭, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 4 | G, A♭ |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
C harmonic minor in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 11 notes across 4 strings, from F on the C string at fret 5 up to F on the A string at fret 8. The root falls on the G string at fret 5 and the E string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 7, 8 | C, D, E♭ |
| 3 (C) | 5, 7, 8 | F, G, A♭ |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8 | B, C |
| 1 (A) | 5, 6, 8 | D, E♭, F |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
C harmonic minor in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 10 notes across 4 strings, from G on the C string at fret 7 up to G on the A string at fret 10. The root falls on the E string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 8, 10 | D, E♭, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 8 | G, A♭ |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 1 (A) | 8, 10 | F, G |
Why it sounds like that
C harmonic minor is C natural minor with B♭ raised to B. The raised seventh creates a leading tone and a three-semitone step from A♭ to B. Compare C natural minor to hear the difference. The scale contains a tritone between D and A♭.
When to use it
C harmonic minor fits C minor and C 5th chords. Use it over minor progressions in C, especially when the V chord is G major. The B 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 5, keeping the hand in frets 0–3 for quick access to the leading tone.
Common questions
What notes are in C harmonic minor?
C harmonic minor contains C, D, E♭, F, G, A♭, and B. The B is the raised seventh degree, which distinguishes it from C natural minor.
Which chords fit C harmonic minor?
C harmonic minor works over C minor and C 5th chords. The B also supports G major, the dominant chord in the key of C minor.
What is the key signature of C harmonic minor?
C harmonic minor has three flats in its key signature. The B is an accidental raised from the natural minor scale.