Degrees and intervals
| Degree | Note | Interval from the tonic | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | root | Tonic |
| 2 | B | major second | Supertonic |
| ♭3 | C | minor third | Mediant |
| 4 | D | perfect fourth | Subdominant |
| 5 | E | perfect fifth | Dominant |
| ♭6 | F | minor sixth | Submediant |
| 7 | G♯ | 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 A 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
- Am(maj7)i(maj7)
- Bm7♭5iiø7
- Cmaj7♯5III+maj7
- Dm7iv7
- E7V7
- Fmaj7VImaj7
- G♯dim7vii°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 A harmonic minor scale?
The A harmonic minor scale has 7 notes: A – B – C – D – E – F – G♯. Its formula is T – S – T – T – S – T½ – S (T = tone, S = semitone, T½ = a tone and a half).
How many sharps or flats does A harmonic minor have?
It uses the key signature of its key, which has no sharps or flats. G♯ is written as an accidental in the score.
What chords are in the A harmonic minor scale?
With triads: Am (i), Bdim (ii°), Caug (III+), Dm (iv), E (V), F (VI), G♯dim (vii°).