C# harmonic minor scale: notes, formula and fretboard

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C# harmonic minor

The C# harmonic minor / Db harmonic minor scale has 7 notes: C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A and C. 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# E F# G# A C · 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

E

b3

F#

4

G#

5

A

b6

C

7

Chords (triads)

i · C# minor ii° · Eb diminished III+ · E augmented iv · F# minor V · Ab major VI · A major vii° · C diminished

Seventh chords

imaj7 · C# minor major 7 iiø7 · Eb half-diminished III+ · E augmented iv7 · F# minor 7 V7 · Ab7 VImaj7 · A major 7 vii°7 · C diminished 7

Same notes (modes and relatives)

Ab 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)

Ab harmonic minor F# harmonic minor

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

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Frequently asked questions

What are the notes of the C# harmonic minor scale?

The notes of the C# harmonic minor scale are C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A and C.

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 4 sharps.

Which chords go with the C# harmonic minor scale?

The chords of the C# harmonic minor scale are C# minor, Eb diminished, E augmented, F# minor, Ab major, A major and C 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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