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Harmonic Major Modes

The Harmonic Major scale is an important tool in the palette of any improvisor, arranger or composer, though it is often shied away from because of it’s exotic sound and slightly awkward fingerings on the guitar.

Though the Harmonic Major scale may seem like it’s hard to learn and get into your ears, it may be surprising to know that each mode of the Harmonic Major scale is only one note different than its corresponding mode in the Major Scale. Because of this, we can take any mode in the Major Scale that we already know, lower one note depending on which mode it is, and voila, instant Harmonic Major Mode. This approach is described in detail in the individual mode pages listed below.

Click on any mode below to learn more about how each one is built and see fingerings for 1 and 2 octave patterns with three finger variations for each one.

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Harmonic Major Modes

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4 Responses to "Harmonic Major Modes"

Faraz Ahmed says:
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Hi Im following your lessons these days to learn more about the relationship between using chords over scales. What kinda chords can be used behind these harmonic major scales? Are we following the same chord theory and just playing harmonic major modes for a different sound or do we make any changes in chords as well? Im sorry but im working on my phrasing cos i think i lack connecting chords over melodies. Any suggestions how to practice and improve that?

September 26, 2011 at 10:05 am
1. Matt Warnock says:
  Reply
  
  you can check out this related article,
  
  http://www.mattwarnockguitar.com/modes-of-the-harmonic-major-scale-and-their-application
  
  It lays out all of the chords that are used for each mode, check it out and if you still have questions let me know
  
  September 26, 2011 at 10:17 am
Faraz Ahmed says:
Reply

Also we dont raise a note in the major scale mode to get a harmonic major if im not wrong?? Arent we flattening a note in major scale to get a harmonic major?? Sorry just confused :(

September 26, 2011 at 10:09 am
1. Matt Warnock says:
  Reply
  
  you’re right, just a typo I fixed it, good eyes!
  
  September 26, 2011 at 10:16 am

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