How to Play the 7th Mode Harmonic Minor Scale for Guitar

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By Matthew Warnock
eHow Contributing Writer

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Play the 7th Mode Harmonic Minor Scale for Guitar

The harmonic minor scale is an important tool in any guitarist's harmonic palette. By learning the different modes of the harmonic minor scale, you will be able to quickly and easily access this scale in any position and key across the neck.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Place the left-hand ring finger on the third fret of the fifth string. Pluck the string with a pick, or right hand finger.
Step 2

Place the left-hand pinky finger on the fourth fret of the fifth string. Play the note.
Step 3

Place the left-hand index finger on the first fret of the fourth string. Pluck the note.
Step 4

Place the left-hand middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string. Pluck the string.
Step 5

Place the left-hand pinky finger on the fourth fret of the fourth string. Play the string.
Step 6

Place the left-hand index finger on the first fret of the third string. Play the note.
Step 7

Place the left-hand middle finger on the second fret of the third string. Play the note.
Step 8

Place the left-hand pinky finger on the fifth fret of the third string. Pluck the string.
Step 9

Play all eight notes in a row to produce a C seventh mode harmonic minor scale.

Tips & Warnings

Play the seventh mode harmonic minor scale in different keys across the fifth string. The first note of the scale is the root, which indicates the key. For example, playing this scale with the first note on the ninth fret produces an F# seventh mode harmonic minor scale. Practicing slowly, and with proper technique, will always be better than practicing fast with poor technique. The ability to play fast is a side effect of practicing slowly.

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