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 6 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 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 E string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 2, 4 | G♯, A, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 2 | C♯, D |
| 2 (E) | 1, 2, 4 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 6–9
F♯ harmonic minor in box 2 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 9 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 C string at fret 6 and the A string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 7 | C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 6, 8, 9 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 8, 9 | E♯, F♯ |
Box 3 · frets 8–11
F♯ harmonic minor in box 3 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 10 notes across 4 strings, from G♯ on the C string at fret 8 up to G♯ on the A string at fret 11. The root falls on the G string at fret 11 and the A string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10, 11 | E♯, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 9, 11 | G♯, A, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10 | C♯, D |
| 1 (A) | 8, 9, 11 | 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 6, keeping the hand in frets 1–4 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. It is also spelled G♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
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 three sharps in its key signature. The E♯ is an accidental raised from the natural minor scale.