Scales – Next Level – Harmonic Minor
Harmonic minor scales are based on the natural minor scale, with one important change:
The 7th note is raised by a half step.
What You Need to Know
- Start with a natural minor scale
- Raise the 7th scale degree
- The key signature does not change
Example: A Harmonic Minor
Natural minor:
A B C D E F G A
Harmonic minor:
A B C D E F G# A
Notice:
- Only one note changes (G → G#)
- The key signature is still no sharps or flats
- The raised 7th is added as an accidental, not part of the key signature
How to Play a Harmonic Minor Scale
- Start with the natural minor scale
- Raise the 7th note
- Play the scale up and down
That’s it!
Example: G Harmonic Minor
How It Is Built
Harmonic minor scales follow this pattern of whole steps and half steps:
Whole – Half – Whole – Whole – Half – 1½ – Half
This explains how the scale is constructed, but in practice, most players rely on the natural minor scale and simply raise the 7th note.