Scale
D Harmonic Major Scale
Interactive keyboard
Highlighted notes form this scale.
Notes
D · E · F♯ · G · A · B♭ · C♯
Root: D
Intervals
1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · 7
How it is built
This scale starts on D and applies the intervals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7. The result contains 7 distinct pitch classes per octave.
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Guide and musical context
About D Harmonic Major Scale
D Harmonic Major Scale uses the notes D, E, F♯, G, A, B♭, C♯. 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 D. 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 D, produces the notes D · E · F♯ · G · A · B♭ · C♯.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the D Harmonic Major Scale?
The notes are D, E, F♯, G, A, B♭, C♯.
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.