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The Harmonic Minor Scale Explored
Part 1: Discovering new sounds in improvisation
 More of this Feature
• Part 2: Learning the notes
• Part 3: Use over min chords
• Part 4: Use over 7th chords
 
 Join the Discussion
"Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't Santana use the harmonic minor scale pretty extensively?"
CHARAZNABL1
 
 Related Resources
• Phrygian Dominant Scale
• Learning to Solo
• Minor Chord Inversions
• Writing in Minor Keys
 
 From Other Guides
• Blues Guitar Tips
• Improve Your Rhythm
 
 Elsewhere on the Web
• Harmonic minor in jazz
• Harmonic minor in metal
• Jazzy sounds for rockers
 
If you're a guitarist who doesn't shy away from improvising, you know the feeling... the frustration of thinking your solos all sound the same. That everything you play, you've played before. While much of this anxiety is caused by our natural tendencies to be overly critical of ourselves, there is usually a grain of truth somewhere within our frustration.
One of the best ways to "break out of a slump", with regards to soloing, is to introduce yourself to a new sounding scale. Although in the pop, rock, country, blues, etc. genres, guitar solos are usually based entirely on blues and pentatonic scales, there are times when different, more exotic sounds, fit in quite nicely. One of these more unusual sounding scales, the harmonic minor, can add an altogether different sound to your solos, and might just provide you with the inspiration you're looking for.
The following lesson should give you the ability to learn to use the harmonic minor scale in various settings.

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