A Harmonic Minor Scale
Reviewed for accuracy · Last updated June 2026 · Maintained by Justin Evans
A – B – C – D – E – F – G♯ – A
Formula:W-H-W-W-H-A-H
Intervals:P1-M2-m3-P4-P5-m6-M7-P8
Scale Degrees:1-2-♭3-4-5-♭6-7-8
Introduction
The A Harmonic Minor Scale raises the 7th degree of the A Natural Minor scale by a half step, creating a leading tone and the characteristic augmented 2nd interval. Its notes are A - B - C - D - E - F - G# - A.
A Harmonic Minor Scale Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | A | P1 |
| 2 | Supertonic | B | M2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | C | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | D | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | E | P5 |
| ♭6 | Submediant | F | m6 |
| 7 | Leading Tone | G♯ | M7 |
| 8 | Octave | A | P8 |
Key Signature
The A Harmonic Minor Scale uses the same key signature as A natural minor (its relative major, C Major) — no sharps or flats. The raised 7th degree is written as an accidental, not in the signature.
Accidentals
G♯
Diatonic Chords in the A Harmonic Minor Scale
These are the triads built on each degree of the A Harmonic Minor Scale:
| Degree | Numeral | Chord | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | i | A Minor | Minor |
| 2 | ii° | B Diminished | Diminished |
| 3 | III+ | C Augmented | Augmented |
| 4 | iv | D Minor | Minor |
| 5 | V | E Major | Major |
| 6 | VI | F Major | Major |
| 7 | vii° | G♯ Diminished | Diminished |
A Harmonic Minor Scale — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the A Harmonic Minor Scale?
The A Harmonic Minor Scale contains: A B C D E F G# (plus the octave). It is the A Natural Minor scale with the 7th degree raised by one semitone (to G#). This creates the characteristic augmented 2nd interval between the b6 and the raised 7th.
How does the A Harmonic Minor Scale differ from A Natural Minor?
The only difference is the 7th degree: Natural Minor uses b7, while Harmonic Minor raises it to a natural 7th (G#). This raised 7th creates a stronger leading tone that resolves powerfully back to the tonic, and produces the characteristic augmented 2nd (3 semitones) between the b6 and raised 7th.
What is the augmented 2nd and why does it matter?
The augmented 2nd is the 3-semitone gap between the b6 and raised 7th of the harmonic minor scale. In A Harmonic Minor this falls between F and G#. This unusual interval gives the harmonic minor its exotic, dramatic character — it is common in flamenco, classical music, and Middle Eastern music.
Why is it called the harmonic minor scale?
It is called "harmonic" minor because the raised 7th allows the construction of a major V chord (dominant chord) in a minor key. In A Minor, the natural V chord would be minor (using b7), but with the raised 7th, V becomes a major chord with a strong tritone tension that resolves back to the i chord — the basis of harmonic progression in minor keys.
What is the fingering for the A Harmonic Minor Scale?
Right hand: 12312345. Left hand: 54321321. The harmonic minor uses the same fingering as the natural minor scale — the raised 7th does not change finger placement. Practice each hand separately at slow tempo before combining.
What music uses the A Harmonic Minor Scale?
Harmonic minor scales are used extensively in Classical music (Baroque through Romantic), flamenco, Arabic maqam music, Jewish klezmer, and metal. The A Harmonic Minor Scale gives a dramatic, almost exotic flavour to melodies and is common in the works of Bach, Beethoven, and Paganini.
Practice Tips
- Compare A Natural Minor and A Harmonic Minor side by side — the only change is the raised 7th (G#). Listen for how that one note transforms the character.
- Feel the augmented 2nd between F and G# — this 3-semitone leap is the scale's signature sound. Practice just that interval as a two-note exercise.
- Use the correct fingering (RH: 12312345) — the raised 7th does not change the fingering pattern.
- Practice the V–i cadence in A: the raised 7th is what makes the dominant chord major, giving the resolution its power.
- Listen to flamenco, klezmer, or Baroque violin for the harmonic minor sound — ear training is essential alongside technical practice.
- Improvise over a A minor chord progression using harmonic minor — emphasise the raised 7th as a leading tone into the tonic.
References & Further Reading
How this scale page is sourced & verified
The note names, intervals, fingering, and harmony on this page are drawn from the established body of Western music theory and verified against the conventions below — the same fundamentals taught in conservatories and music programs. We list categories of source material rather than individual titles, and reference the standards themselves rather than any single edition.
- Standard music theory texts — Widely taught fundamentals of pitch, rhythm, and notation.
- Western tonal harmony conventions — Established rules for chord construction, voice leading, and key relationships.
- Interval and chord construction standards — The conventional spelling of intervals, triads, sevenths, and extensions.
- Scale and mode theory — The common derivation of major, minor, pentatonic, blues, and modal scales.
- Piano pedagogy and technique references — Long-standing practices for fingering, hand position, and practice.
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