fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON BASS TROMBONE

C Harmonic Minor

Natural minor with a raised 7th, restoring the leading-tone pull to the tonic. The augmented 2nd between ♭6 and ♮7 gives it its characteristic exotic edge.

MEIMIDIHumdrum
Choose a root
Meter:Octave per barCrotchets in 4/4Quavers in 4/4Triplets in 4/4
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 5 title C Harmonic Minor
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 2 4 6 8 title C Harmonic Minor
Verovio
Tempo120 bpm

Audio source: synthesised in-browser via Tone.js (MIT)

FingeringFollows the scale as it plays — written pitch, matches the staff
CF triggerFG♭ triggerG♭1234567partial 2
Harmonic seriesTube of the tonic fingering — C sounds partial 2
partial 1 — C1 (+0¢)1partial 2 — C2 (+0¢)2partial 3 — G2 (+2¢)3partial 4 — C3 (+0¢)4partial 5 — E3 (-14¢)5partial 6 — G3 (+2¢)6partial 7 — A♯3 (-31¢)7-31¢partial 8 — C4 (+0¢)8
Related scales
Diatonic chord harmonisation
Same scale, other instruments
Same scale, other tonics
Modes built on this tonic
Compare with
Theory reference
Questions
What notes are in the C Harmonic Minor scale?

The C Harmonic Minor scale uses the notes C, D, E♭, F, G, A♭, B (one octave; the pattern repeats at higher registers).

What's the Harmonic Minor scale formula?

The Harmonic Minor scale follows the interval pattern W H W W H W+H H, where W = whole step (2 semitones) and H = half step (1 semitone). Apply that pattern starting on C to get the C Harmonic Minor scale.

What chords work over C Harmonic Minor?

Harmonic minor's diatonic chords include i minor, ii°, ♭III+ augmented, iv minor, V major (with the leading tone), ♭VI major, vii° diminished. V→i is the strong cadence.

How do I finger C Harmonic Minor on Bass Trombone?

On brass, scales train embouchure + valve / slide coordination across the partials. Slow practice with a tuner reveals intonation tendencies (e.g., the 5th partial sharp on trumpet).

When would I use the Harmonic Minor scale?

Natural minor with a raised 7th, restoring the leading-tone pull to the tonic. The augmented 2nd between ♭6 and ♮7 gives it its characteristic exotic edge.