Guitar scale

C# Harmonic Minor Guitar Scale

C# Harmonic Minor is a seven-note scale built from C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, and B#. Use it to study the scale's notes, interval formula, and guitar fretboard positions.

Notes: C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, B#
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 8 11

How to read this scale

The notes are shown as pitch classes first. Square markers representC# root notes in the fretboard view, while circular markers represent the other notes in the scale.

Use the interactive fretboard to locate the C# root notes and connect the remaining harmonic minor tones across standard tuning.

Sound and defining tones

C# harmonic minor combines minor-scale color with a major seventh: b3 (E), b6 (A), and 7 (B#). The three-semitone gap from the flat sixth to the major seventh and the leading-tone pull into C# create its distinctive sound.

Characteristic tones: b3Eb6A7B#

Fretboard diagram

Open this scale in the fretboard tool

Start with C# Harmonic Minor loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Common chords and contexts

Use C# harmonic minor when minor-key harmony contains a major or dominant V chord that resolves to C# minor. The raised seventh supplies the third of that dominant chord.

Use C# harmonic minor in minor keys where the V chord resolves strongly back to C# minor.
The major 7 creates a strong leading tone and gives the scale its classical and neoclassical minor sound.

Practice this scale on guitar

Play C# Harmonic Minor from one C# root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and scale degree aloud.
Within b3 (E), b6 (A), and 7 (B#), isolate the move from the flat sixth to the major seventh, then resolve the major seventh up one fret to C#.
Practice over a V7-to-C#m cadence and land on a chord tone of each chord rather than running the scale straight through.