G# Harmonic Minor Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
G# Harmonic Minor in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The G# Harmonic Minor scale is a variation of the minor scale that introduces a strong leading tone. On Guitar, the notes are G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E, G. 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 G# Harmonic Minor are G#mMaj7, A#m7b5, B+maj7, C#m7, D#7, Emaj7, Go7. 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: G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E, G
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: Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
Diatonic Chords
G♯mMaj7 — A♯m7♭5 — B+maj7 — C♯m7 — D♯7 — Emaj7 — Go7
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- G# Harmonic Minor in Standard Tuning
- G# Harmonic Minor in Drop D
- G# Harmonic Minor in DADGAD
- G# Harmonic Minor in Open G
- G# Harmonic Minor in Baritone (B Standard)
- G# Harmonic Minor in 7-string
- G# Harmonic Minor in 8-string
- G# Harmonic Minor in Drop C
- G# Harmonic Minor in Drop B
- G# Harmonic Minor in Half Step Down
- G# Harmonic Minor in Open E
- G# Harmonic Minor in Open A
- G# Harmonic Minor in Double Drop D
- G# Harmonic Minor in Open C