Harmonic Minor: The #1 Scale For Neoclassical Shred

If you’ve been experimenting with different scales, you may have realized that all it takes is one note to completely transform the emotional message of a lick. There is one particular scale you can add to your arsenal that will give your playing the extra wow factor you need for success: the harmonic minor scale. In the modern world of shred guitar, Yngwie Malmsteen can be credited with popularizing and revolutionizing the scale as a defining aspect of neoclassical music. Tons of metal guitarists look up to him because of how well he showcased it. Today, I’m gonna show you three different ways you can play the harmonic minor scale: the #1 scale needed for neoclassical shred.

Natural Minor vs Harmonic Minor

The harmonic minor scale is easiest to understand as a deviation from the aeolian mode (otherwise known as the "natural minor scale" or simply the "minor scale").

The natural minor scale is made up of a root, M2, m3, P4, P5, m6, and m7.

The harmonic minor scale, on the other hand, is nearly identical to the natural minor scale.  However, the #7 is the one note that distinguishes it by giving it a unique, exotic sound.

5-String Harmonic Minor Sequence

For the sake of simplicity and consistency, all exercises in this lesson will be in the key of A minor.

Reference the 3-note per string harmonic minor sequence depicted below which starts at the 12th fret of the A string.

6-String Harmonic Minor Scale Sequence (Version 1)

Now we are shifting to the 5th fret of the low E string to cover 6 strings. The first 6-string version of this scale happens to be the first version I ever learned. Reference the sequence depicted below.

6-String Harmonic Minor Scale Sequence (Version 2)

If you've been in the game long enough, you'll have recognized that there are tons of different ways a single scale can be played. Harmonic minor is no exception. This second 6-string version of the scale rocks hard because it has an easily recognizable fretting pattern. It also allows you to cover a ton of real estate up and down the neck.

Conclusion

Familiarize yourself with all 3 versions of the harmonic minor scale that I have demonstrated in this lesson and find out which version, or versions, you prefer most. Make it a goal for yourself to memorize these patterns and work them up to speed. Experiment and try to come up with melodic ideas that you can incorporate into your original music. Even if you’re not at the point where you’re creating your own material, you may want to just record yourself playing around with this scale so that way you’ll have a vault of ideas to look back on when the time comes for writing. Remember that the raised 7th scale degree is the note that differentiates the harmonic minor scale from the regular ole’ minor scale.

Watch the full lesson here: Harmonic Minor: The #1 Scale For Neoclassical Shred