G harmonic minor scale
How to play the G harmonic minor scale
G Harmonic minorG · A · A♯ · C · D · D♯ · F♯ · G
Piano samples: Salamander Grand Piano (CC-BY 3.0)
G harmonic minor scale — notes and structure
The G harmonic minor scale is a minor scale with a raised seventh, giving it an exotic, dramatic leading tone.
The G harmonic minor scale consists of the notes G, A, B♭, C, D, E♭, G♭. Its interval structure is R–2–♭3–4–5–♭6–7 — the intervals from the root that give the scale its sound. This is the same scale you see in the interactive finder above, drawn on the piano keyboard with the root circled and every note labelled.
Its step pattern is whole · half · whole · whole · half · whole-and-a-half · half — the shape that makes it the harmonic minor scale in any key.
Play the 7 notes G, A, B♭, C, D, E♭, G♭ in order from the root G; the interactive keyboard above lights up every note of the scale.
Chords in the G harmonic minor scale
Stack the scale’s own notes in thirds and you get these seven chords — the harmony available to you without leaving the scale.
Frequently asked questions
- What notes are in the G harmonic minor scale?
- The G harmonic minor scale has the 7 notes G, A, B♭, C, D, E♭, G♭. It is a minor scale with a raised seventh, giving it an exotic, dramatic leading tone.
- How many notes are in the G harmonic minor scale?
- 7 notes: G, A, B♭, C, D, E♭, G♭.
- What is the harmonic minor scale used for?
- The harmonic minor scale is a minor scale with a raised seventh, giving it an exotic, dramatic leading tone — hear it and see it on the keyboard above.
- What chords are in the G harmonic minor scale?
- Stacking the scale's own notes in thirds gives Gm (i), Adim (ii°), A♯aug (III+), Cm (iv), D (V), D♯ (VI), F♯dim (vii°).