A harmonic minor scale
The A harmonic minor scale notes: A – B – C – D – E – F – G♯. Natural minor with a raised 7th (the leading tone). The gap between the 6th and 7th notes, an augmented second, gives it its exotic sound.
Notes and steps
Steps: W – H – W – W – H – W+H – H · W = whole step, H = half step
A harmonic minor scale on guitar
Standard tuning, frets 0–12. Filled circles are the root.
A harmonic minor scale on piano
Chords in this scale
Other scales from A
The same scale from other notes
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the A harmonic minor scale?
A, B, C, D, E, F, G♯. Step formula: W–H–W–W–H–W+H–H (W = whole step, H = half step).
How do I practise it on guitar?
Every circle on the fretboard is a note of the scale up to fret 12; the filled circles mark the root (A). Start in one position (within 4–5 frets), root to root, slowly, with a metronome.
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