A harmonic major scale diatonic chords
A harmonic major scale seventh chords
scale
Fretboard diagram
A harmonic major scale — chords and intervals
Harmonizing the A harmonic major scale produces a bittersweet chord family that mixes major brightness with minor-world darkness through its flat sixth degree. The chords of A harmonic major are A major, B diminished, C# minor, D minor, E major, F augmented, G# diminished. The I chord followed by a diminished or minor chord built on the flat sixth creates emotional complexity. Film composers use these chords to depict scenes where happiness is tinged with sadness or nostalgia. Commonly used in Film Scores, Classical, Jazz, Progressive. Notable players include Hans Zimmer, Danny Elfman, Bela Bartok.
The A harmonic major scale has the following degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 ♭6 7.
Intervals: W-W-H-W-H-3H-H.
Diatonic chords: A major, B diminished, C# minor, D minor, E major, F augmented, G# diminished.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | A major |
| ii | B diminished |
| iii | C# minor |
| IV | D minor |
| V | E major |
| vi | F augmented |
| vii° | G# diminished |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (A major) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (B diminished) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (C# minor) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (D minor) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (E major) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (F augmented) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (G# diminished) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the A harmonic major scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.
Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the A harmonic major scale on guitar.
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over Maj7, Maj7b6 contexts. The b6 adds an unexpected shadow to otherwise bright major passages.