Minor scale with raised 6th and 7th ascending; in jazz used the same both up and down.
Melodic Minor Scale
The Melodic Minor scale refines the harmonic form by also raising the 6th degree (to smooth out the large leap between 6 and 7).
Traditionally, it ascends with the raised 6th and 7th, but descends as Natural Minor. In jazz and modern theory, the ascending form is often used both ways.
Formula (ascending):
W – H – W – W – W – W – H
Example – A Melodic Minor:
A B C D E F♯ G♯ A
| Degree | Function (Roman) | Interval from Tonic | Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | i | Unison | Tonic (Minor) |
| 2 | ii | +2 | Supertonic minor |
| 3 | III | +3 | Flattened 3rd defines minor quality |
| 4 | IV | +5 | Perfect 4th |
| 5 | V | +7 | Perfect 5th |
| 6 | VI | +9 | Raised 6th (smooth melodic motion) |
| 7 | vii° | +11 | Raised 7th (leading tone) |
| 8 | i | +12 | Octave |
Sound and usage:
- Classical: smoother melodic motion in vocal or instrumental lines.
- Jazz: provides the basis for seven melodic minor modes (used for altered and Lydian-dominant harmony).
More in the
Scales and Modes
category...
AKA:
jazz minor