Harmonic Major Scale Chart, Exercise And Best Diagram 2@22

Harmonic Major Scale

What is The Harmonic Major Scale?

The harmonic major scale as Ionian b6 mode or Ethiopian scale (1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – b6 – 7) 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. It is generally played over a major 7 chord, however it’s difficult to use because it sounds a little bit weird and dissonant.

Formula Chart

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

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

harmonic major scale Formula — Harmonic (Major) Scale Formula

C Harmonic Major Scale — Harmonic (Major) Scale

Comparison With The Major Scale
The only difference with the major scale (Ionian mode) is the sixth. This is a Heading Example

harmonic major scale comparison — Harmonic (Major) Scale Comparison

Harmonic Major Scale Guitar Diagrams
The two guitar diagrams below show you how to play the harmonic major scale on guitar using “one-octave”, “two-octave” and “3 notes per strings” shapes.

C Harmonic Major Scale Seven Shapes

Chords From The C Harmonic Major Scale
Triads

Chords From The Harmonic Major Scale — Chords From The C Harmonic (Major) Scale

Quadriads

C Harmonic Major Scale Chords With Seventh Note — C Harmonic (Major) Scale Chords With Seventh Note

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) and two diminished triads on the second and seventh degree.

Exemple in the key of C :

C major (C-Eb-G)
G major (G-B-D)
E minor (E-G-B)
F minor (F-Ab-C)
Ab augmented (Ab-C-E)
D diminished (D-F-Ab)
B diminished (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)

Harmonic Major Scale Chart, Exercise And Best Diagram 2@22