Fretboard Fluency

Martin Goulding continues developing fretboard fluency, with the first part in a series of columns looking at the Harmonic Minor scale.

- Martin Goulding

Harmonic Minor is a common and instantly recognisable sound which was born from the baroque period of the mid 17th century (where the tonal system we use today was developed) up until the late romantic period of the mid 19th century. This scale has become widespread in a range of diverse styles including jazz, blues, classic rock and modern metal. Consisting of the formula: R-2-♭3-4-5-♭6-7, the Harmonic Minor can be visualised as a Natural Minor scale with a major 7th degree: Natural minor - R-2-♭3-4-5 ♭6-b7; Harmonic minor - R-2-♭3-4-5-♭6-7