Scale
A harmonic minor scale on piano
The A harmonic minor scale is A, B, C, D, E, F, G#, returning to A. It uses 1 black key. The usual right-hand fingering is 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5, tucking the thumb under after the third note.
A · B · C · D · E · F · G#
What is the fingering for the A harmonic minor scale?
Right hand: 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5. Start with the thumb on A and tuck it under after the third note so the hand can carry on without stopping. The left hand mirrors it, starting with the little finger.
Why learn this scale?
A scale is the set of notes a piece is built from. Learning A harmonic minor means the notes of any piece in that key are already under your fingers, and the chords come from the same set. It is pattern practice, not a test.
Open the scale explorer to see any scale drawn on a keyboard, or practise reading it on the note trainer.