How to Play a Harmonic Minor Scale

The harmonic minor scale differs from the natural minor scale in that the seventh note of the scale is raised one half step. By raising the seventh note of the natural minor scale, the harmonic minor scale adds an entirely new note to the scale.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine which natural minor scale you are going to convert to a harmonic minor scale.

2. Begin to play the harmonic minor scale. Start with the tonic and move up a whole step.

3. Move up one half step to the third note of your scale.

4. Go up a whole step to the fourth note of the scale. Play the fifth note of the scale by moving up another whole step.

5. Play the sixth note of the scale by moving up one half step from the fifth note.

6. Jump up a step and a half to play the seventh note of the scale. This jump is equal to a whole step plus one half step. It is this note that sets the harmonic minor scale apart from the natural minor scale.

7. Finish your scale by moving up a half step from the seventh note.

Tips & Warnings

• Harmonic minor scales always have the following whole and half step pattern: whole-half-whole-whole-half-(whole+half)-half.
• You can find a natural minor scale by going down 3 half steps from the tonic of a major scale. The natural minor scale uses the same key signature as the major scale, but starts on a different note. Raise the seventh note an extra half step and you have a harmonic minor scale.