Explore scales · Ukulele
E harmonic minor scale on ukulele
E harmonic minor runs E, F♯, G, A, B, C, D♯. Box 1 places the root on string 3, fret 4 for a four-string grip.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the E harmonic minor scale on ukulele?
E harmonic minor in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 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 E string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 3 | C, D♯ |
| 2 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
E harmonic minor in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 9 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 C string at fret 4 and the A string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6, 7 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 6, 7 | D♯, E |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
E 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 G string at fret 9 and the A string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8, 9 | D♯, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 7, 9 | F♯, G, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8 | B, C |
| 1 (A) | 6, 7, 9 | D♯, E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
E harmonic minor in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 11 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 G string at fret 9 and the E string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 11, 12 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11, 12 | A, B, C |
| 2 (E) | 11, 12 | D♯, E |
| 1 (A) | 9, 10, 12 | F♯, G, A |
Why it sounds like that
E harmonic minor is E natural minor with D raised to D♯. The raised seventh creates a leading tone and a three-semitone step from C to D♯. Compare E natural minor to hear the difference. The scale contains a tritone between F♯ and C.
When to use it
E harmonic minor fits E minor and E 5th chords. Use it over minor progressions in E, especially when the V chord is B major. The D♯ 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 4, keeping the hand in frets 0–3 for quick access to the leading tone.
Common questions
What notes are in E harmonic minor?
E harmonic minor contains E, F♯, G, A, B, C, and D♯. The D♯ is the raised seventh degree, which distinguishes it from E natural minor.
Which chords fit E harmonic minor?
E harmonic minor works over E minor and E 5th chords. The D♯ also supports B major, the dominant chord in the key of E minor.
What is the key signature of E harmonic minor?
E harmonic minor has one sharp in its key signature. The D♯ is an accidental raised from the natural minor scale.