Degrees and intervals
| Degree | Note | Interval from the tonic | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | root | Tonic |
| 2 | D | major second | Supertonic |
| ♭3 | E♭ | minor third | Mediant |
| 4 | F | perfect fourth | Subdominant |
| 5 | G | perfect fifth | Dominant |
| ♭6 | A♭ | minor sixth | Submediant |
| 7 | B | major seventh | Leading tone |
From one note to the next, the scale moves like this: T – S – T – T – S – T½ – S (T = whole step, S = half step, T½ = step and a half). That pattern is the same in every key: once you learn it, you can build the harmonic minor scale from any note.
Chords in the C harmonic minor scale
Stacking thirds on each degree gives you these chords. They're the ones you'll find most often in songs in this key.
Triads
Seventh chords
- Cm(maj7)i(maj7)
- Dm7♭5iiø7
- E♭maj7♯5III+maj7
- Fm7iv7
- G7V7
- A♭maj7VImaj7
- Bdim7vii°7
How to practice this scale
- Play it slowly with a metronome, one note per beat, and only speed up once it sounds even.
- Sing the note names while you play it: that way you train your ear and your memory at the same time.
- On piano, use the fingering from your teacher or a method book: in most scales the thumb passes under after the third finger.
- Also practice the scale's triads (the chords below) to understand how the harmony of songs is built.
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of the C harmonic minor scale?
The C harmonic minor scale has 7 notes: C – D – E♭ – F – G – A♭ – B. Its formula is W – H – W – W – H – W½ – H (W = whole step, H = half step, W½ = one and a half steps).
How many sharps or flats does C harmonic minor have?
It uses its key signature, which has 3 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭). B natural is indicated with an accidental in the score.
What chords are in the C harmonic minor scale?
With triads: Cm (i), Ddim (ii°), E♭aug (III+), Fm (iv), G (V), A♭ (VI), Bdim (vii°).