Another important scale commonly used in Hard Rock and Metal soloing is the harmonic minor. The following diagram illustrates the harmonic minor formula, along with the fingering for the E form of C harmonic minor. The only difference between this and the natural minor is that the seventh degree is raised by a semitone to become B natural.
Formula – 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
C Harmonic minor = C D Eb F G Ab B
Once you know the basic fingering, learn this lick and then try creating some yourself.
As with all scales, it is important to play licks from the harmonic minor up and down the fretboard in all keys. Here is an example in B minor to learn and transpose.