What's The Harmonic Major Scale?

The harmonic major scale aka Ionian b6 mode is built the same way as the diatonic major scale, but with a lowered 6th.

The Ionian b6 mode is not very well-known but can be very intersting to add more exotic feel to your jazz improvisations. It is generally played over a major 7 chord even it's difficult to use because it sounds a little bit weird and dissonant.

As it is shown in the chart below, the harmonic major scale interval pattern is W - W - H - W - H - WH - H giving the formula : 1 (root) - 2 (second) - 3 (third) - 4 (fourth) - 5 (fifth) - b6 (minor sixth) - 7 (seventh).

The harmonic minor scale is sometimes reffered to as Ethiopian scale or Nat Bhairav (Indian scale).