Melodic minor scale

Definition

A scale is a series of notes. The melodic minor scale is formed using the following patterns:

• tone, semitone, tone, tone, tone, tone, semitone (when ascending)
• tone, semitone, tone, tone, semitone, tone, tone (when descending)

This is how the scale of C melodic minor looks when written down:

Scale of C melodic minor - note the difference between ascending and descending

A melodic minor scale can begin on any note. Here is the scale of G melodic minor:

Scale of G melodic minor - note the difference between ascending and descending

A melodic minor scale shares the same key signature as its relative major but raises the 6th and 7th note by a semitone ascending, and returns them back down a semitone descending.

Examples

Explanation of minor scales and why we need different versions

Related concepts

• Minor (N4 & N4 Tech)
• Scale (N4 & N4 Tech)
• Harmonic minor scale (H)