Modes of the Harmonic Minor Scale

What are the Seven Modes of the Harmonic Minor Scale

Modes of a scale are constructed by moving the tonic on the different degrees of this scale. Here are the seven modes of the harmonic minor scale :

Harmonic minor mode I : Harmonic minor scale (minor). It is the most used of the seven modes.The formula is 1- 2 - b3 - 4 - 5 - b6 - 7.
Harmonic minor mode II : Locrian Natural 6, Locrian 13 or Locrian 6 (half-diminished). Formula is 1 - b2 - b3 - 4 - b5 - 6 - b7.
Harmonic minor mode III : Ionian #5 (augmented). Formula is 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - #5 - 6 - 7.
Harmonic minor mode IV : Dorian #11 (or Dorian #4, Romanian minor) (minor). Formula is 1 - 2 - b3 - #4 - 5 - 6 - b7.
Harmonic minor mode V : Phrygian dominant (dominant). Formula is 1 - b2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - b6 - b7.
Harmonic minor mode VI : Lydian #2 (major). Formula is 1 - #2 - 3 - #4 - 5 - 6 -7 .
Harmonic minor mode VII. Super locrian bb7 (diminished). Formula is 1 - b2 - b3 - b4 - b5 - b6 - bb7

You can learn how to play the seven modes taken from the harmonic scale by clicking on the links below.

For a better knowledge of this minor scale, each page provides scale forms, formula charts, guitar tabs, and various exercises.

The Harmonic Minor Scale | Guitar Diagrams and Charts

This jazz guitar lesson explains how to play the harmonic minor scale on guitar and provides some guitar diagrams, scale charts and jazz guitar licks to master it.
The Locrian Natural 6 Mode - Guitar Diagrams and Theory

This guitar lesson show you how to build and how to play the Locrian natural 6 mode aka Locrian #6 mode, the second mode of the harmonic minor scale. You will find on this page some guitar diagrams and scale charts to play it on guitar.
The Ionian #5 Mode - Guitar Diagrams, Chords and Charts

This guitar lesson will help you understand the Ionian #5 mode using guitar neck diagrams and scale charts.
The Dorian #4 Mode aka Altered Dorian, Lydian Diminished - Guitar Diagrams and Theory

This guitar lesson with diagrams and scale charts explain how the Dorian #4 mode is built and how to play it on the guitar .
The Phrygian Dominant Scale (Phrygian Major, Mixolydian b2 b6, Harmonic Major Inverse) - Guitar Shapes and Formulas

This lesson with diagrams and charts show you how is built the Phrygian dominant mode aka Mixolydian b2 b6, and how to play it on the guitar.
Lydian #2 Mode (Aeolian Harmonic) - Guitar Lesson with Diagrams and Charts

This jazz guitar lesson provides neck diagrams and charts about the Lydian #2 scale aka Aeolian Harmonic, the sixth mode of the harmonic minor scale.
The Super Locrian bb7 Scale (Super Locrian Diminished, Diminished Locrian, Ultra Locrian) - Lesson with Guitar Diagrams

This jazz guitar lesson provides some guitar shapes, diagrams and scale charts to learn how to play the Super Locrian mode on your guitar.