Scale
B♭ Harmonic Major Scale
Interactive keyboard
Highlighted notes form this scale.
Notes
B♭ · C · D · E♭ · F · G♭ · A
Root: B♭
Intervals
1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · 7
How it is built
This scale starts on B♭ 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 B♭ Harmonic Major Scale
B♭ Harmonic Major Scale uses the notes B♭, C, D, E♭, F, G♭, A. Its character is major with a darker turn because of its flat sixth.
Character and sound
Major with a darker turn because of its flat sixth.
Musical context and history
Harmonic major can be understood as a major scale with a lowered sixth. It combines major- and minor-world traits and generates several unusual chord colors.
How and where it is used
Use it in composition, jazz and harmonic exploration when a major tonic with ♭6-derived colors is desired.
In Theory view you can hear the pitch collection without depending on a specific fingering. Then switch to Piano, Guitar, Ukulele or Mandolin to see how the same notes are physically distributed on each instrument.
Harmonic and musical relationships
A practical way to understand this scale is to compare it with the major and minor scales starting on B♭. 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 B♭, produces the notes B♭ · C · D · E♭ · F · G♭ · A.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the B♭ Harmonic Major Scale?
The notes are B♭, C, D, E♭, F, G♭, A.
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?
Major with a darker turn because of its flat sixth. Use it in composition, jazz and harmonic exploration when a major tonic with ♭6-derived colors is desired.
Can I view it on a specific instrument?
Yes. Use the selector near the top to switch between Piano, Guitar, Ukulele and Mandolin without changing the musical combination you are studying.