The Harmonic Minor Scale © 2003 Jim Conquer

www.theguitarschool.biz

In this article we will explain the Harmonic Minor Scale and how it is formed.
Firstly, I must stress the need for the reader to cover the Guitar scales theory
article and the Natural Minor Scale article prior to this.

To form the Harmonic Minor Scale, we first take the Natural Minor Scale
(Previous article) and (raise the seventh note by one fret). As follows, in the
A Harmonic Minor Scale, we have a G# note ascending and descending.

1 1/2 1 1 1/2 1&1/2 1/2

A B C D E F G# A

Using our fingerboard diagram below, we can then form the Harmonic Minor
Scale pattern as follows:

Notes and their positions on the fingerboard

String Numbers 1=E / 2=B / 3=G / 4=D / 5=A / 6=E

1
2 F G# A B C D E
3 C D E F A B
A B C D E F G
4 E F G# A B C D
5 B C D E F G A
6 F G A B C D E

Beginning on the 6th string we play: 6th String A, B, C

5th String D, E, F
4th String G#, A
3rd String B, C, D
2nd String E, F
1st String G#, A, B, C

Note that when playing the scale, we must move our first finger down one fret
towards the left to play the B on the 3rd string. Hence the E, F notes on the 2nd
string will be played using the second and third fingers of the left hand, and this
allows us to play the G# and A using the 1st finger sliding up one fret allowing us
to play B, C. (First string)

All the Best…