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

The G harmonic minor scale is a versatile key that sits comfortably on both piano and guitar. It differs from G natural minor by a single note — the seventh degree is raised from F to F♯ — creating the leading tone and the characteristic augmented second between E♭ and F♯ that define the harmonic minor sound. This scale appears frequently in Baroque and Classical-era compositions, as well as in flamenco and metal.

Notes of the G Harmonic Minor Scale

The G harmonic minor scale contains seven notes:

G – A – B♭ – C – D – E♭ – F♯

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 (E♭ to F♯).

Compared to G natural minor (G–A–B♭–C–D–E♭–F), only F changes to F♯. This raises the seventh from a minor 7th to a major 7th, creating the half-step pull from F♯ to G.

The augmented second between E♭ and F♯ is particularly dramatic — a flat note leaping to a sharp note, spanning three half steps.

For a broader look at the three minor scale types, see Minor Scales: Natural, Harmonic, and Melodic.

G Harmonic Minor on Piano

On the piano, G harmonic minor uses three accidentals: B♭, E♭, and F♯. The augmented second falls between E♭ (black) and F♯ (black), which makes the stretch feel natural since both notes are on the same level.

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

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

Practise the E♭ to F♯ stretch slowly — the augmented second is wider than a whole step and requires deliberate finger placement.

G Harmonic Minor on Guitar

On guitar, G harmonic minor is often played starting at the 3rd fret of the 6th string. The open G string (3rd string) provides a convenient drone.

Position at 3rd fret (6th string root):

The augmented second from E♭ (6th fret, 5th string) to F♯ (4th fret, 4th string) spans four frets on a single string. Across strings, the interval is more manageable.

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

Diatonic Chords in G Harmonic Minor

Building triads on each degree:

Key features:

1. The V chord is major (D major, not D minor). The raised F♯ creates the powerful D–Gm cadence.

2. The III chord is augmented (B♭aug), adding the characteristic harmonic minor colour.

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

Seventh Chords

The V7 (D7) resolves powerfully to Gm. The vii°7 (F♯dim7) is fully diminished and can resolve in multiple directions. For more on seventh chords, see Seventh Chords: The Complete Guide.

Common Chord Progressions in G Harmonic Minor

Music That Uses G Harmonic Minor

G harmonic minor appears in various styles:

• Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G minor – one of the most famous G minor works, with harmonic minor passages throughout
• Bach’s Fugue in G minor (BWV 578) – the “Little Fugue,” a Baroque masterpiece
• “Hit the Road Jack” – Ray Charles (uses the harmonic minor cadence)
• “Smooth Criminal” – Michael Jackson (passages in G♯/A♭ minor, transposable)
• Flamenco guitar – G harmonic minor is a standard key for Spanish-style playing
• Film scores – the scale’s drama suits tense cinematic moments

Relationship to Other Minor Scales

Practice Tips

Start from G natural minor. Raise F to F♯ and you have harmonic minor — one note changes the entire harmonic landscape.

Isolate the augmented second. Practise E♭ to F♯ until the interval feels natural. This flat-to-sharp leap is particularly wide and distinctive.

Practise the V–i cadence. Play D major to G minor repeatedly. Then try D7 to Gm. The pull of F♯ to G is the harmonic engine.

Play along with Mozart. The Symphony No. 40 opening theme is accessible and demonstrates G harmonic minor in one of its most celebrated settings.

Use a metronome. Start at 60 BPM and increase only when the augmented second is rhythmically even.

Try It Yourself

Open the Interactive Chord Finder, select G 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.