The Harmonic Minor Scale Explored

Although the harmonic minor scale over a single minor chord is a sound you hear occasionally in pop and rock music, truthfully, it's not too common. The reason probably being the harmonic minor is such a strong sound, that using it for extended periods of time can sound almost cliche. This isn't to say it doesn't get used... it certainly does, but good guitarists will pick their spots carefully.

The most common use for the harmonic minor scale is over the V dominant 7th chord (referred to as V7) in a minor key. For those of you who aren't familiar with chord theory, the V7 chord in a minor key is seven frets up from the first chord in the key. For example, in the key of Aminor, the V7 chord is E7 (the note E is seven frets up from A). In the key of Eminor, the V7 chord would be B7.

Technical Note For Theory Geeks Only:

Playing a harmonic minor scale over the V7 chord outlines a V7(b9,b13) chord. This scale will NOT work over an unaltered 9th chord.