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