Explore scales · Ukulele
D harmonic minor scale on ukulele
D harmonic minor runs D, E, F, G, A, B♭, C♯. Box 1 places the root on string 3, fret 2 for a four-string grip.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the D harmonic minor scale on ukulele?
D harmonic minor in box 1 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 9 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 C string at fret 2 and the A string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 3 | A, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4, 5 | D, E, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5 | C♯, D |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
D harmonic minor in box 2 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 G string at fret 7 and the A string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 7 | C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5, 7 | E, F, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 6 | A, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5, 7 | C♯, D, E |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
D harmonic minor in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 11 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 G string at fret 7 and the E string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9, 10 | G, A, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10 | C♯, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
D harmonic minor in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 10 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 E string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 10, 12 | E, F, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 10 | A, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
D harmonic minor is D natural minor with C raised to C♯. The raised seventh creates a leading tone and a three-semitone step from B♭ to C♯. Compare D natural minor to hear the difference. The scale contains a tritone between E and B♭.
When to use it
D harmonic minor fits D minor and D 5th chords. Use it over minor progressions in D, especially when the V chord is A major. The C♯ adds a classical or neoclassical flavour to rock and metal lines.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 3, fret 2, keeping the hand in frets 2–5 for quick access to the leading tone.
Common questions
What notes are in D harmonic minor?
D harmonic minor contains D, E, F, G, A, B♭, and C♯. The C♯ is the raised seventh degree, which distinguishes it from D natural minor.
Which chords fit D harmonic minor?
D harmonic minor works over D minor and D 5th chords. The C♯ also supports A major, the dominant chord in the key of D minor.
What is the key signature of D harmonic minor?
D harmonic minor has one flat in its key signature. The C♯ is an accidental raised from the natural minor scale.