Scales and modes
Melodic minor scale
The melodic minor scale is a minor scale with a major sixth and major seventh (1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 7), and its modes are central to jazz improvisation.
What is the melodic minor scale?
The melodic minor scale has a minor third but a major sixth and major seventh. Its formula is 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 7. In A: A B C D E F# G#.
Another way to see it: a major scale with only the third lowered. A major (A B C# D E F# G#) becomes A melodic minor when C# drops to C.
Compared with the harmonic minor scale, it raises the sixth too (F#), which removes the F to G# augmented second and makes lines sound smoother and more singable.
Classical vs jazz melodic minor: what is the difference?
In classical theory the scale changes with direction: ascending, 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 7; descending, it reverts to the natural minor scale (G and F natural).
In jazz, the same form is used both ways, which is why it is often called jazz minor. That is the version guitarists improvise with, and the one scale charts usually show.
How do you play melodic minor on guitar?
A melodic minor at the 5th fret, root on the low E string:
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5, 7, 8 | A B C |
| 5 | 5, 7, 9 | D E F# |
| 4 | 6, 7 | G# A |
| 3 | 4, 5, 7 | B C D |
| 2 | 5, 7, 9 | E F# G# |
| 1 | 5, 7, 8 | A B C |
Tip: play A major in this area first, then lower every C# by one fret. You can compare all three minor scales side by side with the guitar scales tool; the melodic minor modes are part of its Pro library.
Which chords does melodic minor work over?
Over a tonic minor chord with a 6 or major 7: Am6 (A C E F#) or Am(maj7) (A C E G#). Drill: loop Am6 for four bars and make F# and G# heard, at the 9th fret on the A and B strings.
Its modes get even more use:
- 4th mode, Lydian dominant (D E F# G# A B C): over D7#11. It is the Lydian mode with a ♭7.
- 7th mode, altered scale (G# A B C D E F#): over G#7alt. Rule of thumb: over an altered dominant G7alt, play melodic minor a half step up, A♭.
- 6th mode, Locrian ♮2: over F#m7♭5.
To place these colours next to the modes of the major scale, remember that each is only one note away.
Key takeaways
- Formula: 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 7 (a major scale with a minor third).
- A melodic minor: A B C D E F# G#.
- Classical: ascending form only; jazz: same form both ways.
- Use it over Am6 and Am(maj7), and through its modes over 7#11 and altered dominants.
Frequently asked questions
Why does melodic minor descend differently?
In classical practice, the raised 6 and 7 help a melody climb to the tonic. Going down, that pull is not needed, so the scale falls back to natural minor. Jazz musicians drop this rule and keep one form.
What scale do you play over an altered chord?
The altered scale, which is the 7th mode of melodic minor. Over G7alt, play A♭ melodic minor (A♭ B♭ C♭ D♭ E♭ F G): around G that gives you the ♭9, #9, 3, ♭5, #5 and ♭7.
Is melodic minor hard to use?
Less than it looks: over Am6 it is just A major with C instead of C#. Start with one chord at a time, then add one mode, for example Lydian dominant over a static dominant seventh vamp.
Related terms
Practise in the workshop
Take it from theory to the fretboard
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