Degrees and intervals
| Degree | Note | Interval from the tonic | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | G♯ | root | Tonic |
| 2 | A♯ | major second | Supertonic |
| ♭3 | B | minor third | Mediant |
| 4 | C♯ | perfect fourth | Subdominant |
| 5 | D♯ | perfect fifth | Dominant |
| ♭6 | E | minor sixth | Submediant |
| 7 | F𝄪 (sounds like 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.
Some notes are spelled with an unusual name (F𝄪 = G) because in a seven-note scale each letter appears only once. When you play, it is the same key or fret.
Chords in the G♯ 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
- G♯m(maj7)i(maj7)
- A♯m7♭5iiø7
- Bmaj7♯5III+maj7
- C♯m7iv7
- D♯7V7
- Emaj7VImaj7
- F𝄪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 G-sharp harmonic minor scale?
The G♯ harmonic minor scale has 7 notes: G♯ – A♯ – B – C♯ – D♯ – E – F𝄪. 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 G-sharp harmonic minor have?
It uses its key's signature, which has 5 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯). F𝄪 is written as an accidental in the score.
What chords are in the G♯ harmonic minor scale?
With triads: G♯m (i), A♯dim (ii°), Baug (III+), C♯m (iv), D♯ (V), E (VI), F𝄪dim (vii°).