Scale guide
B harmonic minor
In one sentence: raise the seventh degree of natural minor so it leads clearly to the tonic. The collection stays the same ascending and descending.
RH ↑ blue numbersLH ↑ red numbers
Altered notes in the octave: B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A#.
Technical card
- Formula: 1–2–♭3–4–5–♭6–7–8
- Notes: B–C#–D–E–F#–G–A#–B
- Change from B natural minor: A becomes A#.
- Listen for: the ♭6-to-7 leap and the 7→1 resolution.
B
C#
D
E
F#
G
A#
B
Natural minor: A
→
Harmonic minor: A#
Exact fingering
| Hand | Direction | 1 octave | 2 octaves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right | Ascending | 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5 | 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5 |
| Right | Descending | 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1 | 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1-4-3-2-1-3-2-1 |
| Left | Ascending | 4-3-2-1-4-3-2-1 | 4-3-2-1-4-3-2-1-3-2-1-4-3-2-1 |
| Left | Descending | 1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4 | 1-2-3-4-1-2-3-1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4 |
Use the same pitch collection in both directions. On the way down, do not replace A# with A: that would change the scale to natural minor.
Guided practice
- Play A–A#–B slowly and hear the leading tone pull toward the tonic.
- Play one octave with each hand without rushing the ♭6-to-7 leap.
- Extend to two octaves while preserving the same crossing point.
- End on the tonic and let the resolution register.
Context and listening
In Bach’s Mass in B minor, listen to cadences toward B minor: F♯ major supplies A♯ as the leading tone.
Harmonic minor is a stable collection in both directions. A real piece may alternate natural, harmonic, and melodic minor according to its phrase and harmony.
Common mistakes
- Lowering the seventh degree on the descent out of habit.
- Accenting the ♭6-to-7 leap and losing the pulse.
- Changing fingering at the octave join.
Checklist
- I identify the raised seventh without looking.
- I keep the same notes ascending and descending.
- I play one and two octaves with fluid crossings.
- I hear the 7→1 resolution.