How to Build a Harmonic Minor Scale

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Introduction

The harmonic minor scale is arguably the most popular of the three minor scales (the others being the natural minor and melodic minor). It is pleasing to the ear but at the same time has a certain melancholic quality, as is the case with all minor scales. In this article, you will learn exactly how to build this scale using two different approaches, with plenty of practice along the way!
As a little preview, here is an example of a “D Harmonic Minor” scale. Click play to hear what it sounds like.
d harmonic minor scale
D harmonic minor scale, ascending and descending
Ready to learn how to build it? Let’s go!

Building a Harmonic Minor Scale

We can approach building the harmonic minor scale in one of two ways: using a formula (i.e. pattern of whole steps and half steps) or using a natural minor scale. Let’s have a quick look at each of these methods and how they work.

Method #1: The Formula

All scales follow a specific pattern of whole steps and/or half steps (i.e. a formula), and the harmonic minor scale is no exception. The “formula” for the harmonic minor scale looks like this:
pattern of whole steps (tones) and half steps (seminotes) of the harmonic minor scale
The “W” with a little arrow pointing up represents a raised whole step, which means we have to go up a whole step plus a half step (i.e. 1.5 whole steps or 3 half steps). This creates an interval of an augmented 2nd between the 6th and 7th degrees of the harmonic minor scale. If we apply this formula starting on any note, we will always end up with a harmonic minor scale!

Method #2: The Natural Minor Scale

The other method (and the one I recommend if you are comfortable with natural minor scales) to build a harmonic minor scale is by using the natural minor scale and raising its 7th degree by a half step. Here is a little graphic that explains the idea:
Yes, it’s as simple as that! If you know your natural minor scales well, the only thing you have to do to get the harmonic minor is raise the 7th degree by a half step! This is another reason why it’s important to get very comfortable with your natural minor scales. If you have them down solid, you will have the necessary groundwork to build the other minor scales easily. (To learn more about the natural minor scale, read our post on the topic here).

REMINDER​

When naming notes of the harmonic minor scale, we are not allowed to repeat the same letter name twice in a row! For example, if our first note is an F and we need to move up a half step, we cannot name the next note F♯, as that would be repeating the same letter name. Instead, we have to name it G♭. F♯ and G♭ are what we call enharmonic equivalents (two notes that share the same pitch), but when naming scale notes, only one version is correct!

Putting It to Practice

Now, let’s practice building several harmonic minor scales using each of the methods we just discussed.

Example 1: "A Harmonic Minor Scale"​

1. Using the Formula​

For our first example, let’s build the “A Harmonic Minor” scale using the formula method. Starting on A, let’s begin applying our pattern of whole steps and half steps.
A to B is a whole step, B to C is a half step, C to D is a whole step, D to E is a whole step, E to F is a half step, F to G♯ is a whole step, and G♯ to A is a half step. The result: “A Harmonic Minor” scale! We can see that this scale consists of the notes A, B, C, D, E, F, G♯.

2. Using the Natural Minor Scale

This time, let’s build the same scale using the Natural Minor Scale method. We begin with our “A Natural Minor” scale, which looks like this:
That’s right – this scale only uses the white keys on the piano! Next, let’s find the 7th degree of this scale. Counting from A, we find the our 7th note is G. Therefore, we need to raise G one half step to get our harmonic minor. Let’s do that.
Raising the G by half step gives us a G♯. And voila – we have our “A Harmonic Minor” scale!
Here is what the “A Harmonic Minor” scale looks like written down on the music staff:
a harmonic minor scale
A harmonic minor scale, ascending and descending

Example 2: "D Harmonic Minor Scale"

For our second example, we will build the “D Harmonic Minor” scale.

1. Using the Formula​

Let’s apply our formula pattern starting from D:
D to E is a whole step, E to F is a half step, F to G is a whole step, G to A is a whole step, A to B♭ is a half step, B♭ to C♯ is a raised whole step, and C♯ to D is a half step. Therefore, “D Harmonic Minor” is made up of D, E, F, G, A, B♭, and C♯.

2. Using the Natural Minor Scale

We begin with the “D Natural Minor” scale, which looks like this:
From here, we figure out that C is our 7th degree, which we must raise by a half step. The result:
Here is what the “D Harmonic Minor” scale looks like written down on the music staff:
d harmonic minor scale
D harmonic minor scale, ascending and descending

Example 3: "C Sharp Harmonic Minor Scale"

Lastly, let’s do something a bit tougher, shall we? How about a “C Sharp Harmonic Minor” scale?

1. Using the Formula​

Therefore, “C Sharp Harmonic Minor” is made up of: C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G♯, A, and B♯.

2. Using the Natural Minor Scale

Here is our “C Sharp Natural” scale:
Next, let’s raise our 7th degree, which is B, one half step.
And here’s our result:
c sharp harmonic minor scale

Conclusion

Hopefully you are now more confident with your Harmonic Minor scales. As mentioned earlier – this scale is very common and you are sure to be using it regularly as a musician!

Tip: practice playing a harmonic minor scale from random note and see how long it takes you to figure it out. The more you do it, the easier it gets!

Want to see this lesson in video format? You can find it here.

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