How to Play a Melodic Minor Scale

The melodic minor scale is unique in that the ascending notes of the scale are different from the descending notes of the scale. On the way up, the melodic minor scale raises the sixth and seventh notes of the natural minor scale by one half step each. On the way back down, you simply play the notes of the natural minor scale.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Ascending

1. Determine the starting note, or tonic, for your melodic minor scale and move up one whole step to the next note.

2. Move up one half step to the third note of the scale.

3. Play the next four notes of the scale, making a whole step between each note.

4. Finish the ascending melodic minor scale with a half step between the seventh and eighth note.

Descending

5. Begin the descending portion of the melodic minor scale with two whole steps. The whole and half step pattern for this part of the scale is the same as the natural minor scale.

6. Make a half step to the fourth note of the descending scale.

7. Continue down the scale with two more whole steps.

8. Move down one half step to the seventh note of the descending scale.

9. Finish the entire melodic minor scale with a whole step to the tonic.

Tips & Warnings

• The whole and half step pattern for the melodic minor scale must be broken down between the ascending portion and descending portion of the scale. The ascending pattern is: whole-half-whole-whole-whole-whole-half. The descending pattern, starting from top to bottom, is: whole-whole-half-whole-whole-half-whole.