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C harmonic minor scale

The C harmonic minor scale is made of the notes C, D, E♭, F, G, A♭, B. It has 7 notes; compared with the major scale its formula is 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 7.

Minor · 7 notes

Note names
  1. 1C
  2. 2D
  3. ♭3E♭
  4. 4F
  5. 5G
  6. ♭6A♭
  7. 7B

PatternW – H – W – W – H – W+H – H(W = whole step, H = half step)

Three variants with a minor third: natural, harmonic (raised seventh) and melodic (raised sixth and seventh). Degrees are shown relative to the major scale: ♭3 is the third lowered by a half step, ♯4 the fourth raised.

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Mode and chords

The natural minor with the 7th raised by a half step: this creates the leading tone, which pulls strongly to the tonic, and makes the dominant chord major. Between the 6th and 7th there is a step and a half (augmented second) with an Eastern flavour.

Used overCm(maj7)CmCsus4

Put it into practice

The scale played in thirds over one octave: one of the exercises MEG generates from this scale.

This scale is not part of the demo: in the MEG app you will find it in every key, with 24 patterns.

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Chords built on the scale

Frequently asked questions

What are the notes of the C harmonic minor scale?
The notes are C, D, E♭, F, G, A♭, B.
What is the pattern of the C harmonic minor scale?
The sequence of steps is W – H – W – W – H – W+H – H (W = whole step, H = half step); compared with the major scale the degrees are 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 7.
Which chords is the C harmonic minor scale used over?
It is used over Cm(maj7), Cm, Csus4: the chords on the tonic made of the notes of the scale.

Texts and tools by , professional musician and developer. Last updated: October 9, 2026.