What Is the Formula for the Harmonic Minor Scale?

The harmonic minor scale is a unique and expressive scale used across classical, jazz and metal. Its secret is one raised note, the 7th, which changes both its sound and its chords. Compare it with the natural and melodic minor scales below, in any key.

The Formula for the Harmonic Minor Scale

The formula for the harmonic minor scale is:

W – H – W – W – H – (W+H) – H

• W is a whole step: two frets on the guitar, or two piano keys including black keys
• H is a half step: one fret, or one piano key
• W+H is a step and a half, also called an augmented second

The most notable feature is the raised 7th degree, which creates the augmented second between the 6th and 7th notes and gives the scale its distinctive flavor. In A harmonic minor the notes are A – B – C – D – E – F – G♯ – A.

How Harmonic Minor Differs From Natural Minor

The natural minor scale (the Aeolian mode) is the 6th mode of the major scale. Its formula is W – H – W – W – H – W – W. The harmonic minor raises the 7th note, creating melodic tension between the 6th and 7th notes. That augmented second doesn’t exist anywhere in the major scale system, which is what makes harmonic minor such a powerful tool for new sounds.

The Purpose of Harmonic Minor in Classical Music

In the natural minor scale, the 7th note is a whole step below the root, which makes the chord on the 5th degree a minor chord. Raising the 7th turns it into a major V chord, creating a much stronger V – i cadence back to the root, which is vital in classical harmony. Press “Hear why” in the tool to hear the difference. The raised 7th also turns the chord on the 3rd degree into an augmented triad.

Chords Built From the Harmonic Minor Scale

One of the scale’s most unique features is the variety of 7th chords it creates, a different type on every degree:

1. Minor-major 7th
2. Half-diminished 7th (m7♭5)
3. Augmented-major 7th
4. Minor 7th
5. Dominant 7th
6. Major 7th
7. Fully diminished 7th

These chord qualities open up rich, complex progressions, especially in classical and jazz music. Switch the tool to 7th chords and tap each one to hear them.

Creative Uses of the Harmonic Minor Scale

The raised 7th adds a touch of exotic tension, often heard in Eastern and Middle Eastern music and in the most dramatic moments of classical pieces. Jazz musicians use it for its harmonic richness, and metal guitarists use it for intense, dark melodic lines.

Video: Harmonic Minor Scale Modes

Conclusion: Why Learn the Harmonic Minor Scale?

So, what is the formula for the harmonic minor scale? It’s whole, half, whole, whole, half, augmented second, half, defined by its raised 7th degree. That raised 7th produces a major V chord and opens harmonic possibilities that don’t exist in the natural minor or major scales. Whether you’re a classical musician, jazz improviser or metal guitarist, it adds a new dimension to your playing.

Harmonic Minor FAQ

What is the difference between harmonic and melodic minor?

Harmonic minor raises only the 7th. Melodic minor raises both the 6th and 7th going up, which smooths out the augmented 2nd, and traditionally returns to natural minor coming down.

Why does G♯ harmonic minor have an F𝄪 (double sharp)?

G♯ minor already has F♯ in its key signature, so raising the 7th makes it F double sharp. It sounds like G, but it’s written as F𝄪 so every letter name appears once.

Which chord does harmonic minor work best over?

It’s especially useful over the V7 chord in a minor key (like E7 in A minor), where its raised 7th becomes the chord’s major 3rd.

by Henry Bahrou – Guitarist, Music Theorist, Music Academy Director

Explore more: the interactive mode explorer, the open tuning guide and our Guitar Music Theory Guide, or take private lessons at Canton Music Academy.