fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON ALTO

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
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Tempo120 bpm

Audio source: FluidR3_GM SoundFont (public domain)

Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 5 title C𝄪 Harmonic Minor Verovio
Keyboard
C𝄪D𝄪E♯F𝄪G𝄪C𝄪D𝄪E♯F𝄪G𝄪C𝄪D𝄪E♯F𝄪G𝄪C𝄪A♯B𝄪A♯B𝄪A♯B𝄪
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 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 Alto?

Singing scales (solfège) trains pitch accuracy + interval recognition. Use moveable Do (Do = tonic) so any scale starts on Do. The major scale solfège (Do-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La-Ti-Do) is the universal pattern.

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.