When to Play Harmonic Minor - 5 Approaches

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If you've spent any time at all learning scales, you'll know that learning the patterns (how to play them) is only half the task at most.
Knowing when to play them is something very few sites and books out there cover.
But the "when" is just as important as the "how".
Take the harmonic minor scale. When might we use it? This lesson shows you 5 situations in which harmonic minor can play an effective role.
If you've spent all your time on the "how" and not thought about the "when" with scales, then you're missing out on a huge boost to your improvisation skills.
The sad fact is that most guitarists would rather plod around a scale pattern they've learned and just hope it kinda fits the chords they're playing over.
Well, you might get away with that for simpler, more neutral scales like minor and major pentatonic.
But you can't wing bad boys like harmonic minor with such a hit and miss mentality!
To make the most effective use of this wonderful, mysterious and emotive scale, you need to be able to hear the harmonic minor windows open in the backing music.
You need to know when to "make the switch".
Remember, spend time on the "when", and the "how" will fall into place.
Be Yourself On Guitar.

[@usablefiber]

Thanks for this. I was learning a song on piano in f# minor.... and they used a c# major chord in the progression and it completely threw me for a loop. I was so confused as to why an f natural would be in a song in the key of f#minor. Thanks for finally answering my question I couldn't seem to find anywhere online lol

[@bereshit12]

This is exactly what I needed. I've seen many videos where they only teach the scales but they never talk about why or when to use them

[@RomanTerryUSA]

This was by far one of the better guitar lessons on KZbin Tube...will check them all out!

[@m3l3ca]

you are the best. simply the best.

[@KelsterVonShredster]

Better than anyone.....

[@MAL1C10US1NT3NT]

Better than all the rest

[@vitojosephjoestar3653]

Thankyou so much for this video. I was confused at some parts, but I took my time and rewatched them and now I understand the concepts fully.

[@rinfal]

Excellent lesson! It helped me in jumping hurdles in several areas. Thanks a whole bunch.

[@krustenhund]

"...ARGUABLY creates more harmonic interest." i liked that word there. very nice explanation.

[@1pspgofan]

Omg thank you so much! Ive been trying to understand how the harmonic minor fits within a major key for ages!

[@guslakis]

I have known the information in this lesson for years, but this is a clear, concise review, well done.

[@andergarciarodriguez1356]

I'm finding these the most useful videos in youtube. great work man!

[@michaelglendinning1738]

Sometimes my head feels like it will explode. I have to take you in doses. You have so much knowledge. I really appreciate your hard work.

[@jonwill]

Excellent presentation; thank you for posting.

[@JoseRenatoPinto]

What a great lesson... Terrific study material.

[@BharatGosher]

Simple explanation for a major (important )topic , thank you do much.

[@adriang.3762]

Wow, has put me outside the box! Great step to take after having the natural minor scale under your fingers like a boss. Love your videos, they make everything cristal clear! ;)

[@deepthoughts3769]

great info, clear explanations. smartest thing i ever did was to focus on one style and master it.

[@mightymikeamps9317]

Thanks for this video. It expanded on what I have been doing recently, and simplified it.

[@RD-wg2nt]

This channel is the best musical theory resource for guitarists on KZbin 🏆

[@downhill240]

Very complex for a beginner or new intermediate level but still worth the watch!

[@robertmcclung8035]

i can always count on receiving some in depth knowledge from fret jam. Thanks for the lesson!

[@yohanesd9764]

wow your explanation it's so eye opening. thank you very much

[@michaelbao8849]

You are the best online guitar teacher in youtube history.

[@zombiepredator3572]

bravo; well explained and displayed!

[@aristotle358]

I've been playing this sort of thing instinctively for years without knowing the theory. It's nice to have the "grammar" explained. Thanks.

[@MyTube4Utoo]

Yet another *FANTASTIC* lesson. I wish you had been in my life when I started playing at 12 years old. We didn't even have personal computers back then, however. *lol*

[@kashuycastro8451]

Man Thank You So Much.... Your Lessons Are Great

[@onedavidonegopal]

very nice teaching mind blowing

[@thearkuhtekt]

Priceless intel!

[@bottleneck1100]

thank you very much for this video. It's helped me understand something I never did get. I only knew to use it when playing against something Latin sounding - this helped so much - thank you!.

[@EclecticEssentric]

Thanks, I'm trying to get this scale now.

[@bacontrees]

Really, really well done video! Cheers!

[@reneraymond7807]

Fantastic!

[@amadiftikhar4817]

Thank you so much, you are an excellent teacher.

[@salchaw]

very helpful , thank you

[@wjmalcolm]

You have the best KZbin channel on earth.

[@lifeisprecocious]

great lesson! greetings from brazil!

[@SanelvellaS]

What an awesome channel, excellent lesson, good job.

[@stusrollins]

Great Lesson..cheers

[@theDubleD]

Great lesson!!!

[@stringchild]

Great lessons Sir. I have music degree (big deal lol). I can always clarify things with your videos. Phrygian dominant or another more altered dominant scale on the V in minor is where my mind might be a lot.

[@tmitz73]

Awesome Video man!!!

[@andrestojanov]

Its the best explanation of minor harmonic scale in youtube...

[@thierry.lavallee]

I now click « like » before listening to any of your videos. You elevate me Mr Fret Jam. You speak my brain pace. I want to have you in my past.

[@EDGARDOUX1701]

Man! What a GOOD explanation! Simply tou're the best on youtube

[@fretjamdotcom]

+Edgardo Ucha Too kind sir! Glad it helped.

[@kulthegim5873]

it changed my life

[@guitarwithpoulami4324]

Thank you so much...this vedio is very helpful & easy to understand...🙏🙏😊😊

[@LouisMinett]

Helpful.. thank you.

[@Msziszka]

wow thanks a lot, this was very helpful

[@lostinadream1866]

I freaking love your videos!!!

[@mountainman8775]

Looks like I’ve found all I need to be able to shred with this channel

[@TheJuanfut99]

Love your vids!

[@jeromelee7151]

This video is dope and helped out so much. I know this is old but thank you

[@fretjamdotcom]

I honestly love that old videos still help. Even though I know I could do them so much better now and I wish I could go back and do them again.

[@richardweaver5528]

Thanks good lesson 👍

[@gabrielargiles7608]

amazing video

[@liuzrikardo]

you can also use the harmonic minor when the IV(4) chord ( F ) become minor!

[@tartaruga42]

thank you so much, I had been looking for an explanation on this for ages!

[@emekayyi3332]

good job! ty

[@brandonlace]

God damn I love your videos. They explain so much.

[@RiloRox]

the practical and most comonly known example of that is the beginning of the solo for sweet child o mine.

[@milesrupert4815]

That Emaj sounded the same as the Emin in the intro. Nevertheless, thank you, for passing on this knowledge!

[@jean-yvespelletier5505]

Wow That great thanks!

[@sergeyche6133]

Very good

[@RafaelzVasques]

u guys are so good. Damn

[@kilterkaos1]

Play the D shape E triad starting at the seventh fret E.

[@onin102]

Great!

[@insider106]

Very good explanation 👍 I might not just understand how to play A harmonic minor over GMaj chord if A harmonic minor have F and G# instead of F# and G?? Thank you for your understanding and answer. David

[@PatoC1982]

Excellent video. Thanks. I will appreciate very much if someone can answer the following question: Can these 5 approaches be applied to other modes different to aeolian or ionian?

[@oneeyemonster3262]

There's another lesson with the Amin, Fmaj, Dmin and Emaj...chord progression. The E being the V of the Amin. The raised 7th In the A harmonic minor is the maj 3rd of the Emaj. Also when over the Dmin..Play the D dorian. The natural 6th from the dorian gives it that flavor too. it sounds totally sweet.

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

@PatoC1982 : Yes. You can literally play any mode or scale over a chord that has the same notes in them as are in the chord. This how many players get that _outside_ sound without any dissonance. For instance, over an A minor chord (A, C and E), you can play not only the A minor and A harmonic minor scale as shown here, you can also play the A phrygian mode (A, B flat, C, D, E, F and G) and also the dorian mode (A, B, C, D, E, F# and G). Both of those have not only all three of the chord tones from the A minor chord (A, C and E), but they can be used over an Aminor7 chord as well (A, C, E and G) because they both contain the minor seven interval: G. As you become more advanced, there are other modes that work as well like certain modes of the hirojoshi scale, Indian scales and et cetera. Basically just keep in mind that the chord tones should match. But also soloing by targeting chord tones is how to play most melodically. Learn the caged system. It's a great starting point at the very least, and or learn the arpeggios of each chord all over the fretboard (basically the same thing as caged, but more in depth).

[@ze-ce.cra_]

When its the C E Am F progression, I usually put a C Harmonic Major melodies on top of it.. How do you think it would work?

[@coddmodd]

Awesome breakdown for us music theory noob/moderates

[@NitoMoon4233]

THANNKKKK YYYYOOOUUUUU

[@zipperhead101]

The FretJam content is great stuff! I’m a frequent viewer ever since I stumbled on it. But, where is “The Lesson Page” that is often referred to?

[@fretjamdotcom]

Lesson page always linked in video description. Cheers!

[@obedefranklin2464]

Man, this lesson model is fucking genius. Fucking genius.

muito bom here in Brazil we don't have class like this.

[@fretjamdotcom]

+Oséias Conhecimento Greetings! Just listening to Joao Gilberto as I read this.

[@genopierpoint8887]

You're the shit broseph.. Good stuff..

[@mavriv]

Hold on, instead of a major 3rd of E, would it also fit to think of Caug (C+) at 9:00?

[@igorgoga7985]

May i ask a quick question: For simplicity thinking using only one diatonic root C and treating A as vi, can I think that Harmonic minor "happens" on the iii chord when it is major or 7. This way it is easy to remember to play harmonic Minor of the diatonic root regardless whether the song is the key of Am or C

[@LP-qi8hs]

Hello, it is another great lesson and very detailed. Thanks. I know it is over 7 years but I was just reviewing some concepts and at the time 12:05 min, you mention on using A harmonic minor over a G or G7. Wouldn't it cause a crash between the G from the chord and the G# from the scale? I understand the use of C harmonic minor over G/G7 but the A harmonic minor sounds odd, or I got it wrongly? Thanks.

[@fretjamdotcom]

Good question. I should have explained more what's going on here. The G# essentially acts as a minor 2nd over G, which creates a similar sound to Phrygian dominant (though we still have the major 2nd and major 6th). This is the interval sequence created by playing A harmonic minor over G... b2 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - b7 It's what is known as a "synthetic scale" that could be seen as raising the 1 of Mixolydian.

[@JerryMarbas]

I don't understand how at 5:44 you can play the A harmonic minor scale over the G or G7 chord. A harmonic minor scale has G# in it and the G chord doesn't.

[@fretjamdotcom]

The G# becomes a passing, chromatic tone which is what gives it that "outside" tension.

[@JerryMarbas]

Thank you very much! Makes perfect sense now.

[@AlldeLucas]

On this case, you'll be playing a b2 if you think of the G scale.

[@oneeyemonster3262]

Your lessons totally kick butt. I sound so much better. I play guitar with better understand and control...Not always scary.LoL

[@RolanTHUNDER]

Thank you for the lesson, it's very good and easy to understand.Slightly off topic, what are the similarities/differences between the Phrygian mode and the harmonic minor scale?

[@ArtbyPaulPetro]

the difference is one note, the similarities are all the other notes ;)

[@RolanTHUNDER]

artman33167 Oh?? Hehe, easy enough then :)

[@ArtbyPaulPetro]

yes its a snap haha ;) but seriously Phrygian is: 1, b2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7 and that same position in Harmonic Minor (often called Phrygian Dominant) is: 1, b2, 3, 4, 5, b6, b7 - the only diff note is that major 3rd in placce of the minor 3rd but obviously it changes its flavor quite a bit.

[@RolanTHUNDER]

artman33167 Ah I see. So Harmonic minor is often called Phrygian Dominant.

[@ArtbyPaulPetro]

no, Phrygian Dominant is one of the MODES of harmonic minor in the same way that Phrygian is one of the modes of the major scale. hope this helps

[@CMM5300]

The first 2 examples are just using phrygian dominant over a 5 chord The 3rd example is using Ionian #5 over a 3 chord in a major key I guess it's just all how you look at it.

[@eonblue46]

What's the difference between playing the scales Cmajor#5 and A harmonic minor? They are the same scale, correct? So wouldn't the same scale be played over the major III chord and the V7 chord in C major? Why the distinction between the two modes?

[@fretjamdotcom]

If I've understood your question correctly... because if you're playing in C major natural it's often easier to think in terms of sharpening the 5th through the V7, rather than repositioning everything to A harmonic minor. Granted, that's what you're doing anyway, but many guitarists find it easier to keep everything relative to the root of the parent key. I guess it's a consistency thing.

[@oneeyemonster3262]

idk...if I correct...but it helps me...LEADING TONE. in other words..it leads back to the tonic, Kind of like playing harmonic ascending then playing natural decending...but the major 2 sounds retarded to me. It's less stressful on my ears if I play a -2...as I lead back to the root.lmao but im like fuck it...lets do those half steps between the 3 and 4 ..then 5 and -6. as I ascend again....it's like playing the Phrygian dominant....if I also play the -7 Im kind of familiar playing the maj3 and -7 over dominant chords.... I can get away with all of that...if the bass is just bouncing off the root, 5th and -7. The reason why I can get away with the major 7th is because the bass hasn't hitted the -7 yet..lol I'm still over the same chord...it's axis pitch. Im also familiar with the bepop scale...Too fast...too fast...too fast for love.lol.... It'll make sense if you play Spanish style guitar because you're familiar with that sound or heard that once or twice in your life time.... Amin...Emaj, Fmaj. Gmaj...or Amin, Fmaj, E maj. So you're like WTF???? when the music theory teacher tells you just play the E minor...You're thinking his fucken crazy or tone deaf.lmao The triads of in the beginning of Anasthia by slash will make sense to you.. You can actually hear Slash go harmonic minor mixing it with the pentatonic or blues. Im too trying learn all the mode of the harmonic scale. Im ear training my ear with just the triads at the moment. I notice already certain triads clashes like a mother and the chords sounds ugly...depending on the inversion. Sometimes it's just best to leave out those chords or traids... I'll just have to settle for a 5 chord song.lmao

[@rotsi0529]

In 5:46 You play A harmonic minor in key of c major, because its relative minor, and it has same ammount of shaprs/flats? Im i correct?

[@nathankeenan9811]

Tommi Rohunen no, A natural minor (aeolian) would be the relative minor to C major. Harmonic minor differs from aeolian by substituting the minor 7th in aeolian with a major 7th.

[@rotsi0529]

Yes, i meant, that A natural minor is relative minor to C major scale. It is normally minor chord, but mostly its changed to major from Harmonic minor scale.

[@Ranametalera]

This sounds soooooooo Friedman!

[@usablefiber]

Here is my question.... Can you play notes and chords that have notes outside of the key of the song? For example in your video the a minot progression, are there any rules for when or where you can play notes or chords OUTSIDE of the a minor scale?

[@juanmanuelcorrea7673]

There are no rules in music. You can use any scale on any chord. It will just sound DIFFERENT, but not bad.

[@acusimple2295]

This works over a minor 4th chord to a major I, right?

[@josemanuelbetanzos5672]

I use straight harmonic minor over a minor 6 chord?

[@quangducdangnguyen5035]

What are the instruments used in this video ?

[@cornerbandit]

how about harmonic minor on a maj 7th...ex: G# HM on a Emaj7th chord. Basically a maj 3rd up from the maj7th chord tone?

[@fretjamdotcom]

That's really nice with the chromatic #2/b3. I'll be sure to cover this kind of thing more in a lesson specifically on chromatic embellishment.

[@cornerbandit]

@@fretjamdotcom tasty indeed! G# harmonic minor on an Emaj7#9 and #11 more precisely.

[@cornerbandit]

also, the B mixo mode works well...#11

[@matijas7994]

whats with G7 in natural A minor,i never saw someone using it,even though it creates tension?

[@matijas7994]

well im saying that he didnt use it,but im glad we think the same about it also i can only see ur reply in the notifications and not in the comment section for some reason

[@AlphaTribeBand]

the ii is also diminished.

[@jack11419]

QUESTION . does it matter what order the chord progression is in?. My bass player wrote apart that is B-G-D-F# could I still play e harmonic minor over that B note???

[@fretjamdotcom]

Jevon C I'd interpret that as a i - VI - III - V progression in a minor key. So it's natural minor until that major V chord which is where B natural would typically change to B harmonic. However, B harmonic minor would work over that B note, even though the 7th of the scale will sound quite harsh. Try it and if your ears like it, it's good!

[@jack11419]

Thank you :3

[@jack11419]

fretjam.com​ by harsh do u mean it will sound aggressive or it will sound out of key????

[@fretjamdotcom]

Jevon C It'll create dissonance (not as relaxed or "pretty" as the minor 7th). But that kind of adds to its quality. It's a good dissonance!

[@94mac]

+fretjam.com dont you mean VI instead of VII for G? I may be wrong, the seventh is A

[@cominghis1612]

Feel so good but sadness

[@tonyojala4159]

Thall

[@heathercanaday1696]

Having trouble understanding how A harmonic minor works over a G major chord, when a G natural doesn't even appear anywhere in the A harmonic minor scale. can any one help me understand this??

[@DICACIO1]

Actually it doesn't sound good at all. LOL! When you use the A natural minor scale, three chords are effected by the G natural NOTE of that scale....C major, E minor, and G major. Therefore, when using those specific chords for your song structure, then it's safe to use the A natural minor scale. However, at some point during your A natural minor song,, if you decide to also use the A' Harmonic minor scale for variety's sake, then those three chords will change to C' augmented, E Major/ E dominant 7 and G# sharp diminish....so you would use the A Harmonic minor scale for those specific chords. EXAMPLE: If you play Am, Dm , Em back to Am....use the A natural scale. If you play Am, Dm, E Major chord or E dominant 7th chord for a TURN AROUND going back to the A minor HOME chord, you would use the A Harmonic minor scale when you reach the E Major chord. WHY, you asked? Because E major and E dominant 7 chord have the G# sharp note, which are chords from the A Harmonic minor scale. Using this TRICK, you can go in and out of both Minor Scales in the same song, but you have to know which scale goes with each CHORD that will be effected by those note changes. If you include C major, G major and E minor in your A'minor song,, use A' natural minor scale. If you include a C Augmented, G# sharp diminished or E major/E dominant 7 chord, then you use A Harmonic minor to play over those chords because each one of them has the G# note. Do you get it now? Don't play a G natural note when your chords have a G# sharp in them. And when your chords have a G# note don't play a G natural note in your solo. Those would be called "avoid notes"....hahaha Cheers and good luck!

[@heathercanaday1696]

thank you!!!

[@DICACIO1]

Heather Canaday you're welcome :)

[@juanmanuelcorrea7673]

You can really use the harmonic minor over a G chord. It will just sound different. Don't ever let a guy who simply tells you "No, use X chord with Y chord when using the [ insert scale name] scale". I've seen a lot of professional guitarists using harmonic minor scales over, let's say, a Bm chord progression (Chris Poland in Peace Sells...But Who's buying?)

[@Periph1989]

DOES it work?... have you tried playing A harmonic minor over a G chord and listened to it?... when you did, did you think it "worked"?

[@MagicDinosaur]

somewhere over the rainbow

[@DaddySantaClaus]

shit i can apply this to summertime

[@djbabybenz]

i have no idea what’s happening

[@xbomb999]

just ue yer ears don't think so much ,or u will fuck up

[@RomanTerryUSA]

This was by far one of the better guitar lessons on KZbin Tube...will check them all out!