G Harmonic Minor scale

The G Harmonic Minor scale is a 7-note harmonic minor scale built on the root G. Its notes are G, A, B♭, C, D, E♭ and F♯. Natural minor with a raised seventh, creating a dramatic, eastern feel. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make G Harmonic Minor a powerful tool for improvising and composing.

Harmonic minor powers Eastern European folk, flamenco, classical music and metal. The raised seventh creates a strong dominant pull and a dramatic, exotic atmosphere. Built on the root G, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key — making it especially useful in genres and registers where G is a comfortable tonal centre.

Formula & step pattern

Formula
1P · 2M · 3m · 4P · 5P · 6m · 7M
Step pattern
W - H - W - W - H - W+H - H

The G Harmonic Minor scale follows the natural minor pattern with a raised seventh, creating an augmented second between the sixth and seventh degrees. Step pattern: W - H - W - W - H - W+H - H. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2M · 3m · 4P · 5P · 6m · 7M. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.

G Harmonic Minor on the piano

Piano keyboard highlighting the G Harmonic Minor scale notesCDGACDGAE♭F♯B♭E♭F♯B♭G Harmonic MinorG · A · B♭ · C · D · E♭ · F♯

G Harmonic Minor on the guitar

Guitar fretboard highlighting the G Harmonic Minor scale notesEBGDAEF♯GAB♭CDE♭CDE♭F♯GAB♭GAB♭CDE♭F♯GDE♭F♯GAB♭CDAB♭CDE♭F♯GAF♯GAB♭CDE♭G Harmonic Minorfr 0–12

G Harmonic Minor on the staff

Hear the G Harmonic Minor scale

G Harmonic Minor
G · A · B♭ · C · D · E♭ · F♯
GAB♭CDE♭F♯

Notes of the G Harmonic Minor scale

Notes: G · A · B♭ · C · D · E♭ · F♯Step pattern: W - H - W - W - H - W+H - H
DegreeIntervalSemitonesNote
11P0G
22M2A
33m3B♭(Bb)
44P5C
55P7D
66m8E♭(Eb)
77M11F♯(F#)

Diatonic chords of G Harmonic Minor

These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.

How to use the G Harmonic Minor scale

The diatonic chords of G Harmonic Minor are: i = Gm, ii° = A°, III+ = B♭+, iv = Cm, V = D, VI = E♭, vii° = F♯°. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in G Harmonic Minor. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.

Harmonic minor powers Eastern European folk, flamenco, classical music and metal. The raised seventh creates a strong dominant pull and a dramatic, exotic atmosphere.

Practice tips

Spend extra time on the augmented second between the sixth and seventh degrees — that interval is the scale’s emotional fingerprint. Drill it slowly, then in scale runs.

Famous songs in this key

G Harmonic Minor appears throughout harmonic minor powers eastern european folk, flamenco, classical music and metal. the raised seventh creates a strong dominant pull and a dramatic, exotic atmosphere. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.

Once you are comfortable with G Harmonic Minor, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with G Harmonic Minor and are a natural next step in your study.

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the G Harmonic Minor scale?
The G Harmonic Minor scale contains G, A, B♭, C, D, E♭ and F♯.
What is the formula for the G Harmonic Minor scale?
G Harmonic Minor follows the natural minor pattern with a raised seventh, creating an augmented second between the sixth and seventh degrees.
Is G Harmonic Minor a major or minor scale?
G Harmonic Minor is a harmonic minor scale. Natural minor with a raised seventh, creating a dramatic, eastern feel.
What chords belong to the G Harmonic Minor scale?
The diatonic chords of G Harmonic Minor are Gm, A°, B♭+, Cm, D, E♭, F♯°.
Which genres use G Harmonic Minor?
Harmonic minor powers Eastern European folk, flamenco, classical music and metal. The raised seventh creates a strong dominant pull and a dramatic, exotic atmosphere.
How do I practise the G Harmonic Minor scale?
Spend extra time on the augmented second between the sixth and seventh degrees — that interval is the scale’s emotional fingerprint. Drill it slowly, then in scale runs.

Take G Harmonic Minor into your music

Build progressions, find chord voicings and improvise with confidence using our music tools.