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
Choose a root
Meter:Octave per barCrotchets in 4/4Quavers in 4/4Triplets in 4/4
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 4 8 title F𝄪 Harmonic Minor
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 2 3 5 7 title F𝄪 Harmonic Minor
Verovio
Tempo120 bpm

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

Audio source: FluidR3_GM SoundFont (public domain)

FingeringFollows the scale as it plays — written pitch, matches the staff
F𝄪thumb trigger — B♭ sideT123partial 3right hand rests in the bell — shading pulls sharp notes down; stopping raises the F-side pitch a semitone (finger a half-step low)bellopen
Harmonic seriesTube of the tonic fingering — F𝄪 sounds partial 3
partial 1 — C2 (+0¢)1partial 2 — C3 (+0¢)2partial 3 — G3 (+2¢)3partial 4 — C4 (+0¢)4partial 5 — E4 (-14¢)5partial 6 — G4 (+2¢)6partial 7 — A♯4 (-31¢)7-31¢partial 8 — C5 (+0¢)8partial 9 — D5 (+4¢)9partial 10 — E5 (-14¢)10partial 11 — F♯5 (-49¢)11-49¢partial 12 — G5 (+2¢)12
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 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.