The Harmonic Major Scale - Guitar Diagrams and Theory Lesson

The harmonic major scale aka Ionian b6 mode or Ethiopian scale is built the same way as the diatonic major scale, but with a lowered 6th.

This scale is not very well-known but can be interesting for those who want to add more exotic feel to their jazz improvisations, even if it is difficult to use because of its weird and dissonant sound.

Formula Chart

As shown in the chart below, the harmonic major scale interval pattern is W - W - H - W - H - W+H - H, giving the formula : 1 (root) - 2 (second) - 3 (third) - 4 (fourth) - 5 (fifth) - b6 (minor sixth) - 7 (seventh).

The Harmonic minor scale is characterized by its distinct sound, which blends elements of both major and harmonic minor scales.

The formula for the harmonic major scale is 1 2 3 4 5 b6 7, where the "b" indicates a lowered sixth degree compared to the major scale.

C Harmonic major scale	C	D	E	F	G	Ab	B
Formula	1	2	3	4	5	b6 (b13)	7
Intervals	W	W	H	W	H	H+W	H

The harmonic minor scale is sometimes reffered to as Ethiopian scale or Nat Bhairav (Indian scale).

Comparison With The Major Scale

The only difference with the major scale (Ionian mode) is the sixth.

C Harmonic major scale	C	D	E	F	G	Ab	B
Formula	1	2	3	4	5	b6 (b13)	7
C major scale (Ionian mode)	C	D	E	F	G	A	B
Formula	1	2	3	4	5	6	7

Comparison With The Harmonic Minor Scale

You see that the harmonic minor scale has a b3 whereas the harmonic major scale has a major third (3).

C harmonic major scale	C	D	E	F	G	Ab	B
Formula	1	2	3	4	5	b6 (b13)	7
C harmonic minor scale	C	D	Eb	F	G	Ab	B
Formula	1	2	b3	4	5	b6 (b13)	7

Triads Built From The Harmonic Major Scale

There are four types of triads in the harmonic major scale:

Two major triads (degrees I and V).
Two minor triads (degrees III and IV).
One augmented triad (sixth degree).
Two diminished triads on the second and seventh degree.

Example in the key of C :

Cmaj (C-E-G)
Ddim (D-F-Ab)
Emin (E-G-B)
Fm (F-Ab-C)
G (G-B-D)
Abaug (Ab-C-E)
Bdim (B-D-F)

Seventh Chords Built From The Harmonic Major Scale

When stacking thirds on each degree of the harmonic major scale we get seven chords. These chords can be extended with a 9, 11 or 13 and arpeggiate in order to create interesting jazz lines.

I maj7 (9, 11, b13)
ii m7b5 (9, 11, 13)
iii m7 (b9, b11, b13)
iv minMaj7 (9, #11, 13)
V7 (b9, 11, 13)
VI maj#5 (#9, #11, 13)
vii dim7 (b9, 11, b13)

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Last edited: 2025-10-10

Comments

1 Fer On 2025-03-08

Hello,
Thanks for this information on the Harmonic major scale

I noticed a two typo's

Exemple (example) in the key of C :

Cmaj (C-Eb-G) (C-E-G)

jazz-guitar-licks On 2025-03-11

Thanks for spotting these typos.
Stef
2 Bc On 2023-11-09

It’s that not 14th fret on last chord in that last line exercise in the last drop 2 chord for c maj7 cause it is and 10th fret fourth string with that sound awful by the way. Haha.there have been several misspellings and “mis-worded” if you will in the wonderful material and references you have so kindly take the time to make and provide to anyone that cares about being an expert guitarist. I just figured I bust ur balls about getting the tab wrong at the bottom of harmonic major lesson.

jazz-guitar-licks On 2023-11-16

Corrected Thanks.