C# Harmonic Minor Scale: Degrees, Notes, Intervals, and Practical Use

C# Harmonic Minor — minor with major 7 from “C#”, bright cadences and expressive dominants. Eastern flavor in melodies. Keep leading 7 clear, rely on classic i-iv-V motions.

Formula and Intervals of the C# Harmonic Minor Scale

Degree formula: 1 — 2 — b3 — 4 — 5 — b6 — 7. Interval pattern between adjacent degrees: 2 — 1 — 2 — 2 — 1 — 3 — 1. The scale includes the following notes:

• Db — tonic, the main anchor of the mode.
• Eb — gentle melodic extension and natural upward step.
• E — minor third, lyrical tone and soft drama.
• Gb — quartal spice, best separated from 3 by voice leading.
• Ab — perfect fifth, stabilizing anchor of the mode.
• A — minor sixth, soft pull to 5 and warm tone.
• C — leading tone to the octave, adds direction.

Together these degrees form the core of the C# Harmonic Minor mode and define its musical character.

Chords within the C# Harmonic Minor Scale

Below are the basic diatonic chords that naturally occur on each degree. Use them as a palette for your progressions, keep the bass stable, and highlight color tones in the upper voice.

• Dbm — 1
• Ebdim — 2
• Eaug — b3
• Gbm — 4
• Ab — 5
• A — b6
• Cdim — 7

This set forms a solid modal framework: combine triads and seventh chords, add 9/11/13 for color, and separate 3rds from 11ths for cleaner harmony.

Alternative Names of the C# Harmonic Minor Scale

This mode may appear under other names:

• C# Harmonic Minor (HM)

All variations point to the same modal structure.

How to Use the C# Harmonic Minor Scale

Leading 7 clear and strong. i-iv-V and ii°-V-i cadences sound distinctive. Chromatic rises emphasize pull to tonic.

Conclusion

C# Harmonic Minor is a recognizable mode with clear logic of use. Study the formula and intervals, keep color tones in the top voice, build diatonic chords, and try integrating the mode into your own progressions — this way you’ll develop a confident and expressive sound faster.