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scale

F♯ Harmonic Major

The F♯ Harmonic Major scale modifies F♯ Major by lowering the sixth degree from D♯ to D natural, creating an augmented second interval between D and E♯. This exotic alteration is popular in neoclassical guitar music and progressive rock, offering dramatic harmonic colors. Related to F♯ Harmonic Minor, this scale combines major brightness with Middle Eastern flavor.

Symbol
F♯ harmonic
Key
f sharp
Scale Type
harmonic major
Cardinality
heptatonic
Number of Notes
8
Notes
F♯, G♯, A♯, B, C♯, D, E♯, F♯
Intervals from Root
M2, M3, P4, P5, m6, M7

The D to E♯ augmented second creates F♯ harmonic major's distinctive exotic character, spanning three semitones and producing dramatic melodic tension. Neoclassical guitarists like Yngwie Malmsteen have employed similar harmonic structures for virtuosic passages, while contemporary jazz musicians use the scale over F♯maj7(♯5) chords. The scale's sharp-based notation makes it more practical than its enharmonic equivalent G♭ harmonic major, particularly for string players and guitarists navigating complex harmonic progressions.

Chords in F♯ Harmonic Major

Explore F♯ Harmonic Major scale piano chords.

C♯ Major

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