Harmonic Minor Scale Arpeggios And Chord Shapes For Guitar

The harmonic minor scale is a seven-note scale commonly used in classical, metal, jazz, and fusion music for its exotic and dramatic sound.

It is derived from the natural minor scale, but with a raised 7th degree.

1 – 2 – b3 – 4 – 5 – b6 – 7

Natural Minor: 1 – 2 – b3 – 4 – 5 – b6 – b7

Harmonic Minor: 1 – 2 – b3 – 4 – 5 – b6 – 7

So the only difference is the 7th note being raised by a half step.

Notes: A – B – C – D – E – F – G# – A

Compared to A Natural Minor: A – B – C – D – E – F – G

That G# (raised 7th) gives the scale its distinctive sound.

It creates dominant V chords in minor keys (e.g., E7 in A minor), which adds strong resolution and tension.

It introduces unique chord and arpeggio possibilities, like:

Diminished and augmented chords

Exotic-sounding arpeggios (like diminished 7th or altered dominant)