F# Harmonic Minor
Piano scale diagramIntermediate
F# Harmonic Minor Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F# Harmonic Minor scale is a variation of the minor scale that introduces a strong leading tone. On Piano, the notes are F#, G#, A, B, C#, D, F. 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 F#mMaj7, G#m7b5, A+maj7, Bm7, C#7, Dmaj7, Fo7. 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#, A, B, C#, D, F
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
Diatonic Chords
F#mMaj7 — G#m7♭5 — A+maj7 — Bm7 — C#7 — Dmaj7 — Fo7
Musical Character
The augmented 2nd interval between the b6 and natural 7 creates an exotic 'Middle Eastern' leap that is both the scale's signature sound and its main challenge for smooth phrasing.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Metal, Classical, Flamenco, Film Scores, Neoclassical
Notable players: Yngwie Malmsteen, Ritchie Blackmore, Johann Sebastian Bach
How to Use the F# Harmonic Minor Scale
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.
Origin & Background
Developed in the Baroque era to provide a leading tone for minor-key cadences. The harmonic foundation of classical minor-key composition.
Related Scales
Chord Progressions Using This Scale
- i – VII – VI – V (Andalusian Cadence)World / Flamenco — Tension & Drama
The F# Harmonic Minor scale contains 7 notes (F#, G#, A, B, C#, D, F). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.