G# Harmonic Minor
Piano scale diagramIntermediate
G# Harmonic Minor Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G# Harmonic Minor scale is a variation of the minor scale that introduces a strong leading tone. On Piano, 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
Diatonic Chords
G#mMaj7 — A#m7♭5 — B+maj7 — C#m7 — D#7 — Emaj7 — Go7
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 G# 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 G# Harmonic Minor scale contains 7 notes (G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E, G). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.