How to Play the Melodic Minor Scale for Guitar

The melodic minor scale can add a new dimension to the minor quality scale vocabulary of any guitarist. Along with the harmonic and natural minor scales, the melodic minor completes the trilogy of the three most commonly used minor scales in Western music. Learning the proper fingering for the melodic minor scale will make it easier for you to use this sound in your next solo or composition.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Lay your left-hand index finger on the fifth string, third fret. Pluck the string.

2. Place your left-hand ring finger on the fifth string, fifth fret. Play the string.

3. Position your left-hand pinky finger on the fifth string, sixth fret. Play the string.

4. Lay your left-hand index finger on the fourth string, third fret. Pluck the note.

5. Place your left-hand ring finger on the fourth string, fifth fret. Play the note with your right hand.

6. Lay your left-hand index finger on the third string, second fret. Pluck the string.

7. Position your left-hand ring finger on the third string, fourth fret. Play the note.

8. Lay your left-hand pinky finger on the third string, fifth fret. Pluck the string.

9. 

   Play all eight notes in a row to produce the C melodic minor scale for the guitar.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice playing the melodic minor scale in different keys along the fifth string. The first note of the scale is called the root, which tells you what key you are in. For example, if you start this scale on the fifth string, fifth fret, that is a D melodic minor scale.
• Keep your left-hand thumb behind the neck of the guitar to make it easier to play the melodic minor scale for guitar.

Resources

• Practicing Scales for Guitar