Scale · Mandolin
F♯ Harmonic Minor Scale · Mandolin
Fretboard map · Mandolin
Find every available note across the first 12 frets.
Notes
F♯ · G♯ · A · B · C♯ · D · E♯
Root: F♯
Intervals
1 · 2 · ♭3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · 7
How it is built
This scale starts on F♯ and applies the intervals 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7. The result contains 7 distinct pitch classes per octave.
Explore related combinations
Guide and musical context
About F♯ Harmonic Minor Mandolin Scale
F♯ Harmonic Minor Mandolin scale uses the notes F♯, G♯, A, B, C♯, D, E♯. Its character is minor and dramatic, with a strong leading tone from its raised seventh.
Character and sound
Minor and dramatic, with a strong leading tone from its raised seventh.
Musical context and history
Harmonic minor raises scale degree seven of natural minor to create a leading tone and a stronger major or dominant-seventh V chord. This adjustment is central to much functional minor-key harmony.
How and where it is used
Use it over functional minor progressions, minor-key dominants, classical music, neoclassical metal, jazz and several traditional idioms.
On mandolin, fifths tuning encourages symmetric movable patterns. Unison string courses reinforce the attack, and the map helps locate the same note in different fretboard registers. Everything you see and hear on this page comes from the same note set shown above.
Harmonic and musical relationships
A practical way to understand this scale is to compare it with the major and minor scales starting on F♯. The altered notes are exactly what create its characteristic color.
The formula on this page is 1 · 2 · ♭3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · 7 and, from F♯, produces the notes F♯ · G♯ · A · B · C♯ · D · E♯.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the F♯ Harmonic Minor Mandolin scale?
The notes are F♯, G♯, A, B, C♯, D, E♯.
What is its interval formula?
The formula is 1 · 2 · ♭3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · 7.
How does it sound and what is it used for?
Minor and dramatic, with a strong leading tone from its raised seventh. Use it over functional minor progressions, minor-key dominants, classical music, neoclassical metal, jazz and several traditional idioms.
How can I check it on Mandolin?
Use the interactive diagram on this page and press Play or Note by note. The highlighted positions, written notes and playback all use the same pitch collection.