Harmonic minor scales are like natural minor scales, except that the seventh tone is raised a half-step. The question is, when is it most appropriate to use them? Harmonic minor has such a distinctive sound, that it will be notable when used in a solo. Like any scale, it needs to be mastered mode by mode, and the fingerings for it are often tricky because of the the combination of minor third and half-steps in the upper part (tetrachord)of the scale.

The example on this page is C harmonic minor, fingered 1-3-4/1-3-4/2-2. The 2-3 can be difficult because of the lack of independence between the two fingers, but with practice this becomes easier.

It's the very exoticism of the sound of this scale and its variations (such as the so-called "Gypsy" scale, which has both its seventh raised 1/2 a step and its second degree lowered a 1/2 step)that can cause problems. First let's see what harmonic situations allow its use, and then let's see how it can be tastefully applied.