The harmonic minor scale formula works on exactly the same principle as any other scale. You need to understand its formula if you want to build it. In this video, we'll first compare the harmonic minor to the natural minor scale to see how it's different, then I'll show you how to construct the scale and finally, I'll show you how you can practice this effectively so you can retain the information.
Natural Minor vs Harmonic Minor
The harmonic minor is often described as being a natural minor scale with a sharp seventh. But exactly what does this mean?
In music theory, if we sharpen a note or scale degree, in this case, it means we raise it by a semitone. For example, if I were to sharpen the note of G I would get G#.
This means the only difference in the harmonic minor scale formula will come on the seventh step. In other words, we can use our natural minor scale formula and just raise the seventh degree by one semitone.
Constructing The Scale
Before we build the harmonic minor let's have a quick refresh of the natural minor scale formula because we'll need it later on.
The natural minor scale formula is a root, tone, semitone, tone, tone, semitone, tone and tone. Starting from E this would give us E, F#, G, A, B, C, D and E.
Now we just have to raise our seventh. In this case, that means moving D up a semitone so it becomes D#.
This also changes the scale formula. It enlarges the seventh step by one semitone so the scale formula now becomes root, tone, semitone, tone, tone, semitone, minor third, semitone.
How To Practice This
The goal of your practice should be first to memorise the formula and second to also be able to recognise the harmonic minor as a musical sound.
So with the first goal in mind, I want you to build this scale in all twelve keys. Start by doing this with your instrument using it as a guide to figure out the notes in each scale. Eventually, you want to be able to work this out from memory.
Finally, to learn the sound of it you should be able to sing the scale. This will help create a connection in your mind between the sound of the scale and how to create that sound on your instrument.
Again, start with your instrument as a guide if you're not a strong singer and as you get better, try to move away from it so you can sing it on your own.
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