B♭ Clarinet · Harmonic Minor scale · written pitch
G♯ Harmonic Minor scale for B♭ Clarinet
2 octaves from G♯3, key signature 5 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯). On the B♭ Clarinet this sounds in concert F♯ minor.
Scale — ascending & descending
Arpeggio
Download: MIDI · MusicXML (opens in MuseScore, Sibelius, Dorico, Finale) ·
Fingerings for every note
Notes of the scale
| Degree | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written | G♯ | A♯ | B | C♯ | D♯ | E | F× | G♯ |
| Concert | F♯ | A♭ | A | B | C♯ | D | F | F♯ |
Practice tips
- This scale crosses the break (B♭4 → B4). Keep the right-hand fingers resting just above or on their rings through the throat notes, then move the whole hand down together with the register key.
- With 5 sharps, work out the chromatic fingerings first (sliver keys, side keys, alternate pinky keys) and practise the awkward pairs slowly in isolation.
- The raised seventh creates an augmented second between degrees 6 and 7 — sing it before you play it and check it with a tuner.
- Practise with a metronome: legato first, then tongued; then in thirds and in rhythms (long–short, short–long).
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of the G♯ Harmonic Minor scale on B♭ Clarinet?
G♯, A♯, B, C♯, D♯, E, F×, G♯.
What is the key signature of G♯ Harmonic Minor?
G♯ minor has 5 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯).
What concert key is written G♯ Harmonic Minor on the B♭ Clarinet?
Written G♯ minor on the B♭ Clarinet sounds in concert F♯ minor.