Guitar scale
C# Harmonic Minor Guitar Scale
C# Harmonic Minor is a seven-note scale built from C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, and C. Use it to study the scale's notes, interval formula, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Notes
- C#D#EF#G#AC
- Formula
- 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
- Semitones
- 0 2 3 5 7 8 11
How to read this scale
The notes are shown as pitch classes first. Square markers represent C# root notes in the fretboard view, while circular markers represent the other notes in the scale.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the C# root notes and connect the remaining harmonic minor tones across standard tuning.
Fretboard diagram
Open this scale in the fretboard tool
Start with C# Harmonic Minor loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboardCommon chords and contexts
- Use C# harmonic minor in minor keys where the V chord resolves strongly back to C# minor.
- The major 7 creates a strong leading tone and gives the scale its classical and neoclassical minor sound.