Scales › E harmonic minor

E harmonic minor scale on piano

Notes: E – F♯ – G – A – B – C – D♯

The minor scale with its 7th degree raised a half step (the leading tone): it gives a major dominant chord, and a step and a half between degrees 6 and 7 that lends it its exotic flavor.

How it is built

Steps between the notes (W = whole step, H = half step): W – H – W – W – H – W+H – H.

Key signature: 1 sharp (F♯).

Fingering

Right hand, going up: 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5. Left hand, going up: 5 4 3 2 1 3 2 1.

The chords of the scale

• I: Em
• II: F♯dim
• III: G+
• IV: Am
• V: B
• VI: C
• VII: D♯dim

Other E scales

E major · E minor · E major pentatonic · E minor pentatonic · E blues