Harmonic Major Patterns
Hi, This is Hub Guitar.
We are going to talk a little bit about the Harmonic Major Scale and the modes that implies. So I'm going to show you this scale starting from F than going up the neck using all of the different modes.
So we are going to start with F harmonic major.
The next mode is called Dorian flat 5, starting from G.
The next mode is called Phrygian flat 4, starting from A.
The next mode is the Lydian flat 3, starting from Bb.
The next mode is Mixolydian flat 9, starting from C.
This is Db, Lydian, Augmented, sharp 9.
This is E Locrian diminished seventh.
OK, practise those patterns, get them on your fingers, and see how you can apply them to your own playing.
The harmonic major is a spiritual cousin to the harmonic minor.
Building the scale is simple; just take a major scale and flatten the 6th.
Using the scale is not as simple. You’ll need to discover a set of chords that supports the harmony of the scale.
F Harmonic Major
G Dorian ♭5
A Phrygian ♭4
B♭ Lydian ♭3
C Mixolydian ♭9
D♭ Lydian Augmented ♯9
E Locrian o7
Key Exercises
- Learn, memorize, and apply the scales.
- Create a chord progression that supports the harmonic major scale using chords built in thirds from each of the modes.
- Improvise using the harmonic major, at first without any accompaniment.
As the creator of Hub Guitar, Grey has compiled hundreds of guitar lessons, written several books, and filmed hundreds of video lessons. He teaches private lessons in his Boston studio, as well as via video chat through TakeLessons.