fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON FRENCH HORN

F 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
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Tempo120 bpm

Playback sounds a perfect 5th below the written notation — the instrument's concert (sounding) pitch.

Audio source: FluidR3_GM SoundFont (public domain)

Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 5 title F Harmonic Minor Verovio
Keyboard
FGCEFGCEFGCEFA♭B♭D♭A♭B♭D♭A♭B♭D♭
Related scales
Diatonic chord harmonisation
Same scale, other instruments
Same scale, other tonics
Modes built on this tonic
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Theory reference
Questions
What notes are in the F Harmonic Minor scale?

The F Harmonic Minor scale uses the notes F, G, A♭, B♭, C, D♭, E (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 F to get the F Harmonic Minor scale.

What chords work over F 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 F Harmonic Minor on French Horn?

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.