ScalesC# Harmonic Minor
Guitar scale · fretboard map
C# Harmonic Minor Scale
The C# Harmonic Minor scale is built from the notes C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, and B#. The diagram below maps every one of those notes across the guitar neck, from the open strings up to the 12th fret, with the root C# highlighted.
The harmonic minor scale is natural minor with a raised seventh: exotic and tense, running from classical to neoclassical shred.
Notes in the C# Harmonic Minor scale
C#1
D#2
Eb3
F#4
G#5
Ab6
B#7
C# Harmonic Minor scale on the fretboard
root (C#) other scale notes
Explore this on the interactive fretboard →
The free Fretboard Explorer lets you switch keys and see the CAGED shapes and scale overlays tile the whole neck.
Other scales in C#
Db MajorC# Natural MinorDb Major PentatonicC# Minor PentatonicC# BluesC# DorianC# PhrygianDb LydianDb Mixolydian
The harmonic minor scale in other keys
Frequently asked questions
- What notes are in the C# Harmonic Minor scale?
- The C# Harmonic Minor scale contains 7 notes: C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, and B#. As scale degrees those are 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, b6, 7.
- How do you play the C# Harmonic Minor scale on guitar?
- Every note above is shown on the fretboard diagram, from the open strings up to the 12th fret, with the root (C#) highlighted. The pattern is movable: learn the shape once and you can slide it to start on any root. Anchor your playing to the C# notes so the scale sounds resolved.
- What is the C# Harmonic Minor scale used for?
- The harmonic minor scale is natural minor with a raised seventh: exotic and tense, running from classical to neoclassical shred. Once the shape is under your fingers, try improvising over a backing track in C# and listen for how each note pulls back toward the root.