F# Harmonic Minor Scale
F sharp harmonic minor runs F sharp, G sharp, A, B, C sharp, D, E sharp and back to F sharp. E sharp is played on the piano key labeled F. The spelling says that E, the natural-minor seventh, has been raised.
- Notes: F sharp-G sharp-A-B-C sharp-D-E sharp
- Raised seventh: E sharp
- Key signature: three sharps
Why not call it F natural?
F sharp natural minor uses E. Raising that seventh gives E sharp, one key below F sharp. The seven written letters remain F-G-A-B-C-D-E before F repeats. Calling the raised note F would obscure which scale degree changed.
D-E sharp spans three semitones. Play C sharp-D-E sharp-F sharp to hear the wide middle step and close finish.
Where does E sharp appear in harmony?
C sharp-E-G sharp is C sharp minor, the natural-minor fifth chord. C sharp-E sharp-G sharp is C sharp major. Add B to make C sharp7. Try C sharp minor-F sharp minor, then C sharp7-F sharp minor. E sharp can rise a half step into F sharp.
The F-sharp-minor key signature contains F sharp, C sharp and G sharp. E sharp appears as an accidental when needed; the signature does not add a fourth sharp to become the F-sharp-major signature.
Make the spelling audible
Say "E sharp" as you play the F-labeled piano key, then move to F sharp. Repeat with an F-sharp-minor chord sounding underneath. The notation may be surprising, but the motion is one key wide.