Harmonic Minor Scale for Guitar All Modes

On this page, the 7 modes of the harmonic minor scale are presented as if they are all separate scales (beginning on C). However, they are derived from the modes of the Harmonic Minor, meaning the second mode of the C harmonic minor is D Locrian Nat. 6, and the third mode of the C harmonic minor is Ionian ♯5.

Harmonic Minor (First Mode)

Locrian Nat. 6 (Second Mode)

Ionian #5 (Third Mode)

Dorian #4 (Fourth Mode)

Mixolydian b9 b13 (Fifth Mode)

Lydian #9 (Sixth Mode)

Altered nat. 6 (Seventh Mode)

Key Tasks

• Memorize the seven patterns.
• Once you’ve learned the patterns, consider adapting the diatonic scale beat grouping exercise or the diatonic scale interval exercise to the harmonic minor scale.
• Be sure to understand which chord underlies each pattern. For instance, a minor maj7^th chord underlies the Harmonic Minor scale harmony. You can find the chords associated with these scales by taking the 1^st, 3^rd, 5^th and 7^th of each scale and determining the chord.