What is a Melodic Minor Scale?

A melodic minor scale is a variation of the minor scale that changes certain notes depending on whether the melody is moving upward or downward. In its ascending form, the sixth and seventh notes of the natural minor scale are raised by one semitone. This adjustment helps create a smoother melodic movement and avoids the large interval found in the harmonic minor scale.

For example, the A melodic minor scale ascending includes the notes A, B, C, D, E, F♯, G♯, and then A. In this form, the sixth and seventh notes are raised compared to the natural minor scale. When the scale descends, it typically returns to the natural minor form, using the notes A, G, F, E, D, C, B, and A.

The melodic minor scale is widely used in classical music to create smoother melodic lines in minor keys. In jazz and modern music, however, the ascending form of the melodic minor scale is often used both upward and downward. Because of its distinctive combination of intervals, the melodic minor scale is an important tool for composers and improvising musicians.