STRINGSCALES

C harmonic minor Scale — Guitar Fretboard Visualization

Low E string: F, G, Ab, B, C, D, Eb at frets 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11

A string: B, C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab at frets 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11

D string: D, Eb, F, G, Ab, B, C, D at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12

G string: G, Ab, B, C, D, Eb, F, G at frets 0, 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12

B string: B, C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, B at frets 0, 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12

High E string: F, G, Ab, B, C, D, Eb at frets 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11

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C harmonic minor

The harmonic minor scale raises the 7th of natural minor, creating an augmented 2nd gap between the flat 6th and the leading tone. That gap is its signature: dramatic, vaguely Eastern, and instantly recognizable in classical themes, neoclassical shred and surf rock. Harmonically it exists so a minor key can have a real dominant chord, so try it over the V chord resolving to a minor i.

it consists of these notes and degrees:

C

i

Cm
D

ii°

Ddim
E♭

bIII+

E♭aug
F

iv

Fm
G

V

Gmaj
A♭

bVI

A♭maj
B

vii°

Bdim

Characteristic note: B (natural 7), the raised seventh that pulls strongly back to the root.

Same notes, different mode

C harmonic minor uses the same notes as the scales below. Start from a different note and you get a new mode built on the very same note set.

D locrian 6Eb major augmentedF dorian #4G phrygian dominantAb lydian #9B ultralocrian

harmonic minor in all 12 keys, with chords and related scales

tip
  • The augmented 2nd between the flat 6th (Ab) and the leading tone (B) is the signature: place it deliberately instead of avoiding it.
  • Use C harmonic minor over the V7 chord in a minor key, resolving to the i; that is the scale's original job.
  • For neoclassical lines, run the scale in triplets ending on the 5th (G) or root, Malmsteen style.
  • Alternate natural and harmonic minor over a static C minor vamp: raise the 7th only when heading home to the root.

How to play C harmonic minor on guitar

Open B hangs a leading tone under this key, so resolution to C is sitting there on an unfretted string. Open G and D contribute the fifth and second. G major works as a full dominant chord, which means V-to-i cadences land inside a two-flat key signature. Roots for box work sit at fret 8 on both E strings, with the A-shape barre at fret 3 and a position change at fret 12.

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