E Harmonic Minor Scale: Notes, Chords, and How to Play It

The E harmonic minor scale is one of the most guitar-friendly harmonic minor keys, as it starts on the open 6th string and uses only one sharp. It differs from E natural minor by a single note — D is raised to D♯ — but that alteration creates the leading tone, the major V chord, and the signature augmented second that give harmonic minor its dramatic, intense character.

Notes of the E Harmonic Minor Scale

The E harmonic minor scale contains seven notes:

E – F♯ – G – A – B – C – D♯

It follows the harmonic minor interval pattern — W–H–W–W–H–3H–H — where 3H represents the augmented second (three half steps) between the sixth and seventh degrees (C to D♯). This interval is the scale’s defining sound, evoking classical drama, flamenco fire, and heavy metal intensity.

Compared to E natural minor (E–F♯–G–A–B–C–D), only D changes to D♯. This raises the seventh degree from a minor 7th to a major 7th, creating the essential half-step resolution from D♯ to E. For a broader look at how the three minor scale types relate, see Minor Scales: Natural, Harmonic, and Melodic.

E Harmonic Minor on Piano

On the piano, E harmonic minor uses two black keys: F♯ and D♯. The hand shape is comfortable, with the augmented second falling between C (white) and D♯ (black), which creates a noticeable stretch.

Right hand fingering (ascending): 1 – 2 – 3 – 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 (thumb crosses under after G, then fingers walk up to E)

Left hand fingering (ascending): 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 – 3 – 2 – 1 (after the thumb plays B, the third finger crosses over to C)

The augmented second between C and D♯ feels wider under the fingers than the surrounding steps. Practise this transition slowly and evenly before building speed.

E Harmonic Minor on Guitar

E harmonic minor is exceptionally natural on guitar because the root sits on the open 6th string. The scale lays out beautifully in open position and connects well across the neck.

Open position (low to high):

The stretch from C (3rd fret, 5th string) to D♯ (1st fret, 4th string) can be played across strings, but on a single string it requires a four-fret span — the physical fingerprint of the augmented second.

Use the guitar fretboard view in the Interactive Chord Finder to see all positions at once.

Diatonic Chords in E Harmonic Minor

Building triads on each degree of the E harmonic minor scale produces:

The pattern minor – diminished – augmented – minor – major – major – diminished holds for every harmonic minor key. The critical features:

1. The V chord is major (B major, not B minor). The raised D♯ transforms the naturally minor v chord into a major V, creating the powerful B–Em resolution that drives harmony in E minor.

2. The III chord is augmented (Gaug). This striking chord arises from the augmented second and adds an unusual colour to harmonic minor harmony.

For more on diatonic chord construction, see Diatonic Chords: A Beginner’s Guide.

Seventh Chords

Adding a fourth note to each triad:

The V7 (B7) is the dominant seventh that resolves powerfully to Em. The imMaj7 (Em(maj7)) has the haunting minor-major seventh quality. The vii°7 (D♯dim7) is fully diminished, offering multiple resolution paths. For more on seventh chords, see Seventh Chords: The Complete Guide.

Common Chord Progressions in E Harmonic Minor

The V–i cadence (B–Em) is the engine of this key. In E natural minor, the v–i (Bm–Em) lacks the tension of a leading tone. Raising D to D♯ provides that tension, making the cadence decisive.

Music That Uses E Harmonic Minor

E harmonic minor is favoured by guitarists for its comfortable fretting and dramatic sound:

• “Korobeiniki” (Tetris theme) – traditional Russian melody
• “God of War” theme – Bear McCreary
• “Stairway to Heaven” (solo section) – Led Zeppelin (passages)
• Yngwie Malmsteen’s neoclassical solos – frequently in E harmonic minor
• “Asturias (Leyenda)” – Isaac Albéniz (sections)
• J.S. Bach, Violin Partita No. 2 in D minor – influences E minor passages

Listen for the D♯ pulling up to E and the dramatic leap across the augmented second (C to D♯).

Relationship to Other Minor Scales

E harmonic minor sits between the natural minor and the melodic minor:

The natural minor lacks a strong dominant. The harmonic minor fixes this by raising the seventh but introduces the augmented second. The melodic minor raises both the sixth and seventh to smooth out that interval.

Practice Tips

Start from E natural minor. If you already know E natural minor, raise D to D♯ and you have harmonic minor. This one-note approach is the fastest way to learn.

Isolate the augmented second. Practise the C to D♯ interval on its own — ascending and descending — until it feels comfortable. On guitar, this is a four-fret stretch on a single string.

Practise the V–i cadence. Play B major resolving to E minor repeatedly. Then try B7 to Em. The pull of D♯ to E is the harmonic core of this scale.

Play it on the open 6th string. Guitar players should take advantage of the open E string as a drone while playing the scale, letting the root ring underneath to hear how each note relates to the tonic.

Use a metronome. The augmented second can cause uneven timing. Start at 60 BPM and increase only when every note is clean.

Try It Yourself

Open the Interactive Chord Finder, select E as the root and Harmonic Minor as the scale. You will see every note highlighted on the piano keyboard or guitar fretboard, the step pattern visualised as intervals, and all diatonic chords laid out — ready to play and explore.

For the complete list of scales in every key, see Scales for Piano and Guitar: The Complete Reference Guide.