Scale guide
G 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: G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F#.
Technical card
- Formula: 1–2–♭3–4–5–♭6–7–8
- Notes: G–A–Bb–C–D–Eb–F#–G
- Change from G natural minor: F becomes F#.
- Listen for: the ♭6-to-7 leap and the 7→1 resolution.
G
A
Bb
C
D
Eb
F#
G
Natural minor: F
→
Harmonic minor: F#
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 | 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1 | 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1-4-3-2-1-3-2-1 |
| Left | Descending | 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5 | 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5 |
Use the same pitch collection in both directions. On the way down, do not replace F# with F: that would change the scale to natural minor.
Guided practice
- Play F–F#–G 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 Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, in G minor, listen for cadences where D major supplies F♯ before the return to G.
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.