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

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

The A harmonic minor scale is the most commonly referenced harmonic minor scale, just as A natural minor is the starting point for learning minor keys. It differs from A natural minor by a single note — the seventh degree is raised from G to G♯ — but that one alteration transforms the scale’s harmony and melodic character entirely. The raised seventh creates a leading tone, a major V chord, and the distinctive augmented second that gives harmonic minor its dramatic, almost exotic sound.

A Harmonic Minor Scale on Interactive Chord Finder

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