Scales – Next Level – Melodic Minor
Melodic minor scales are based on the natural minor scale, with changes when going up and down.
The scale is different ascending and descending.
This one feels a little unusual at first!
What You Need to Know
- Start with a natural minor scale
- When going up, raise the 6th and 7th notes
- When going down, return to the natural minor scale
- The key signature does not change
Example: A Melodic Minor
Ascending:
A B C D E F# G# A
Descending:
A G F E D C B A
Notice:
- Going up: 6th and 7th notes are raised (F → F#, G → G#)
- Going down: no changes (natural minor)
- The key signature is still no sharps or flats
How to Play a Melodic Minor Scale
- Start with the natural minor scale
- Going up, raise the 6th and 7th notes
- Going down, return to the natural minor
- Play the full scale up and down
Example: G Melodic Minor
How It Is Built
Ascending pattern:
Whole – Half – Whole – Whole – Whole – Whole – Half
Descending pattern:
Whole – Whole – Half – Whole – Whole – Half – Whole
This explains how the scale is constructed, but in practice, most players think in terms of raising the 6th and 7th notes going up.