A Harmonic minor :
E - 5 - 7-8
A - 5 - 7-8
D - - 6-7
G 4-5 - 7
B - 5-6
e 4-5 - 7-8
That's just one position, natch, with the A on the 6th string serving as the root. Here it is with the A on the 5th string as the root ( 12th fret ):
E - 12-13
A 11-12 - 14-15
D - 12 - 14-15
G - - 13-14
B - 12-13 - 15
e - 12-13 - 16-17
So, the trick to using this scale is usually to think of it as an altered dominant 7 scale ( or cool substitute for mixolydian mode ). It all has to do with the scale harmonization-
i - min/Maj7
ii - min7b5
III - Maj7#5
iv - min7
V - dominant7
IV - Maj7
iiv - dim7
So, as the V chord is a dominant 7 ( in the key of A, that would be E7 ), this is why it works. And using it over a Major chord ( A harmonic minor- or think E7- over E Major ) makes it sound very Spanish.
Also, sounds great over the turnaround ( bars 9 & 10 ) of a jazz blues, AND over the famous "Stairway to Heaven " progression ( or, for us deadheads, the bridge to Missippis Half Step - play A minor, A harmonic minor, A dorian, and then A minor over the descending A minor chord variations ). Also, if you want to sound like Yngwie J. malmsteen, learn this scale REALLY fast and LOUD.
Out of the loop? I didn't know there was a loop!