The harmonic minor scale differs from the minor scale by only one note. It has a major 7th as opposed to a flattened 7th. Here are box positions for the natural minor and harmonic minor scales for you to compare:
I've highlighted the 7th notes in green for easy identification. As you can see, they are simply one fret down from the root note and therefore fairly easy to identify and remember. As I state in the video, I encourage you to identify where all your root notes are and then it's an easy thing to introduce this 7th note into your usual licks and playing.
Grab your guitar, tune up, and then select play to watch this harmonic minor tutorial:
Below is a simple Em7 to B7 groove:
Alternate between the E minor and E harmonic minor scales.
Here is a simple Cm7 to G7 groove:
Alternate between C minor and C harmonic minor scales.
...and below is the simple E minor track I mention in the video, which is suitable for practicing any minor scale (i.e. minor pentatonic, natural minor, dorian and phrygian modes, diminished etc)
You'll find lots of backing tracks to practice along with on my Backing Tracks page :)
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Harmonic Minor Scale
I've highlighted the 7th notes in green for easy identification. As you can see, they are simply one fret down from the root note and therefore fairly easy to identify and remember. As I state in the video, I encourage you to identify where all your root notes are and then it's an easy thing to introduce this 7th note into your usual licks and playing.
Natural Minor Scale (usually called 'the minor scale' and also known as aolian mode)
Grab your guitar, tune up, and then select play to watch this harmonic minor tutorial:
Below is a simple Em7 to B7 groove:
Alternate between the E minor and E harmonic minor scales.
Here is a simple Cm7 to G7 groove:
Alternate between C minor and C harmonic minor scales.
...and below is the simple E minor track I mention in the video, which is suitable for practicing any minor scale (i.e. minor pentatonic, natural minor, dorian and phrygian modes, diminished etc)
You'll find lots of backing tracks to practice along with on my Backing Tracks page :)
< Back to all posts