Tenor Saxophone · Harmonic Minor scale · written pitch
C♯ Harmonic Minor scale for Tenor Saxophone
2 octaves from C♯4, key signature 4 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯). On the tenor saxophone this sounds in concert B 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 | C♯ | D♯ | E | F♯ | G♯ | A | B♯ | C♯ |
| Concert | B | C♯ | D | E | F♯ | G | B♭ | B |
Practice tips
- With 4 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.
- Low notes on the saxophone respond best with an open throat and a little more mouthpiece; avoid pinching.
- 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 C♯ Harmonic Minor scale on tenor saxophone?
C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G♯, A, B♯, C♯.
What is the key signature of C♯ Harmonic Minor?
C♯ minor has 4 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯).
What concert key is written C♯ Harmonic Minor on the tenor saxophone?
Written C♯ minor on the tenor saxophone sounds in concert B minor.