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