A Harmonic Major scale
The A Harmonic Major scale is a 7-note harmonic major scale built on the root A. Its notes are A, B, C♯, D, E, F and A♭. Major scale with a flat sixth — bright tonic with a darker undertone, popular in modern jazz. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make A Harmonic Major a powerful tool for improvising and composing.
Harmonic major is a modern jazz favourite, mixing the brightness of major with the colour of a flat sixth. It also shows up in film scoring and progressive metal. Built on the root A, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key — making it especially useful in genres and registers where A is a comfortable tonal centre.
Formula & step pattern
The A Harmonic Major scale follows a major scale with a flat sixth degree, blending major brightness with minor color. Step pattern: W - W - H - W - H - W+H - H. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2M · 3M · 4P · 5P · 6m · 7M. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.
A Harmonic Major on the piano
A Harmonic Major on the guitar
A Harmonic Major on the staff
Hear the A Harmonic Major scale
Notes of the A Harmonic Major scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | A |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | B |
| 3 | 3M | 4 | C♯(C#) |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | D |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | E |
| 6 | 6m | 8 | F |
| 7 | 7M | 11 | A♭(Ab) |
Diatonic chords of A Harmonic Major
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
How to use the A Harmonic Major scale
The diatonic chords of A Harmonic Major are: I = A, ii° = B°, iii = C♯m, iv = Dm, V = E, VI+ = F+, vii° = A♭°. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in A Harmonic Major. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
Harmonic major is a modern jazz favourite, mixing the brightness of major with the colour of a flat sixth. It also shows up in film scoring and progressive metal.
Practice tips
Highlight the flat sixth over a major triad — it is the only note that distinguishes harmonic major from the standard major scale.
Famous songs in this key
A Harmonic Major appears throughout harmonic major is a modern jazz favourite, mixing the brightness of major with the colour of a flat sixth. it also shows up in film scoring and progressive metal. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Scales related to A Harmonic Major
Once you are comfortable with A Harmonic Major, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with A Harmonic Major and are a natural next step in your study.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the A Harmonic Major scale?
What is the formula for the A Harmonic Major scale?
Is A Harmonic Major a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the A Harmonic Major scale?
Which genres use A Harmonic Major?
How do I practise the A Harmonic Major scale?
Take A Harmonic Major into your music
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