Here’s a study I’ve been working on — a fiery arpeggio sequence built around the harmonic minor scale.
Harmonic minor arpeggio—that’s the heart of this study I’ve been working on. It’s a blazing sequence built from the bones of the harmonic minor scale, designed to stretch both your fingers and your phrasing.
Here is the audio :
Remember its on D# Tuning
Here is the lick slowed down:
This isn’t a basic sweep or scalar run. It’s a targeted exercise that combines:
- Broken arpeggios
- Wide interval skips
- Diminished runs
- And a final string-skipping triplet blast that hits like a punchline.
The harmonic minor scale is what gives this its signature tension. Raise the 7th from the natural minor, and suddenly, everything feels urgent—like it’s chasing a resolution that hasn’t landed yet.
Quick Breakdown:
- Tuning: Half-step down (Eb Standard)
- Tempo: 140 BPM
- Key center: Rooted in A harmonic minor
- Technique: Legato, sweep picking, string skipping
- Mood: Neoclassical / dark / dramatic
What is the Harmonic Minor Scale?
If you’re new to it, here’s the formula: 1 – 2 – ♭3 – 4 – 5 – ♭6 – 7 – (1)
In A harmonic minor: A – B – C – D – E – F – G# – A
It’s the sound behind classical cadences, Middle Eastern riffs, and metal solos that pull you right to the edge.
Practice Tips:
Start slow. Focus on tone and control—not just speed. Use a metronome and loop each bar until your muscle memory locks it in. Pay special attention to the hammer-on/pull-off transitions, especially in bars 1, 4, and 5.
Here’s a bonus two-octave A harmonic minor scale shape to jam on:
e|————————-4-5|
B|——————–5-6—–|
G|—————4-5———-|
D|———-7—————–|
A|—-7-8-10——————|
E|5-7————————-|
Drop a comment if you want the slowed-down audio or a backing track for jamming. Happy to share more harmonic minor arpeggio licks soon.
here is the guitar pro tab:
Also check:
Harmonic Minor Chord Scale in Every Key – Audio & Tabs