C harmonic minor scale: notes, formula and fretboard

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C harmonic minor

The C harmonic minor scale has 7 notes: C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab and B. Its formula is 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7 and its steps, in tones, are 1 – ½ – 1 – 1 – ½ – 1½ – ½.

The harmonic minor scale is the natural minor with a major seventh: this leading tone pulls strongly toward the tonic and creates an exotic interval (an augmented second) between degrees 6 and 7.

C harmonic minor

C D Eb F G Ab B · 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7

Colored dots: notes of the scale, the root is the darkest.

Notes and intervals

Note

Degree

C

1

D

2

Eb

b3

F

4

G

5

Ab

b6

B

7

Chords (triads)

i · C minor ii° · D diminished III+ · Eb augmented iv · F minor V · G major VI · Ab major vii° · B diminished

Seventh chords

imaj7 · C minor major 7 iiø7 · D half-diminished III+ · Eb augmented iv7 · F minor 7 V7 · G7 VImaj7 · Ab major 7 vii°7 · B diminished 7

Same notes (modes and relatives)

G phrygian dominant

Other C scales

C major C natural minor C melodic minor C major pentatonic C minor pentatonic C blues C dorian C phrygian C lydian C mixolydian

Neighbouring scales (fifth and fourth)

G harmonic minor F harmonic minor

Try it in the app

Hear the chords, play them as a progression, switch instrument, note names (Do Ré Mi or C D E) and theme:

Open the chords Open the scales All chords and scales

Frequently asked questions

What are the notes of the C harmonic minor scale?

The notes of the C harmonic minor scale are C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab and B.

What is the formula of the harmonic minor scale?

The formula of the harmonic minor scale is 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7: it is built with the steps 1 – ½ – 1 – 1 – ½ – 1½ – ½ (in tones).

How many accidentals are in the C harmonic minor scale?

The C harmonic minor scale has 2 flats.

Which chords go with the C harmonic minor scale?

The chords of the C harmonic minor scale are C minor, D diminished, Eb augmented, F minor, G major, Ab major and B diminished.

Popular chords

C major G major D major A major E major F major A minor E minor D minor G7 D7 C major 7

Popular scales

C major G major A natural minor A minor pentatonic E minor pentatonic A blues D dorian E phrygian All chords and scales

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