F Harmonic Minor Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in 8-string tuning — fretboard diagram
F Harmonic Minor in 8-string — Notes and Intervals
The F Harmonic Minor scale is a variation of the minor scale that introduces a strong leading tone. On Guitar, the notes are F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, E. It has a distinctive exotic or Middle Eastern flavor due to the wide gap between its upper notes, and is used to provide the harmonic tension necessary for classical minor-key resolutions. It is a staple in neo-classical metal and flamenco. The diatonic chords of F Harmonic Minor are FmMaj7, Gm7b5, Ab+maj7, Bbm7, C7, Dbmaj7, Eo7. Commonly used in Metal, Classical, Flamenco, Film Scores, Neoclassical. Notable players include Yngwie Malmsteen, Ritchie Blackmore, Johann Sebastian Bach. Use over m(Maj7), m7, dim7 chords. Essential for creating V7 → i resolutions in minor keys. The raised 7th provides the leading tone that natural minor lacks.
Notes: F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, E
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Formula: W-H-W-W-H-WH-H
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
Diatonic Chords
FmMaj7 — Gm7♭5 — A♭+maj7 — B♭m7 — C7 — D♭maj7 — Eo7
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- F Harmonic Minor in Standard Tuning
- F Harmonic Minor in Drop D
- F Harmonic Minor in DADGAD
- F Harmonic Minor in Open G
- F Harmonic Minor in Baritone (B Standard)
- F Harmonic Minor in 7-string
- F Harmonic Minor in Drop C
- F Harmonic Minor in Drop B
- F Harmonic Minor in Open D
- F Harmonic Minor in Half Step Down
- F Harmonic Minor in Open E
- F Harmonic Minor in Open A
- F Harmonic Minor in Double Drop D
- F Harmonic Minor in Open C