D♭ Melodic Minor
The classical melodic minor — raised 6th and 7th ascending, reverts to natural minor descending. Two distinct half-step patterns in one scale.
Playback sounds a perfect 5th below the written notation — the instrument's concert (sounding) pitch.
Audio source: FluidR3_GM SoundFont (public domain)
What notes are in the D♭ Melodic Minor scale?
The D♭ Melodic Minor scale uses the notes D♭, E♭, F♭, G♭, A♭, B♭, C (one octave; the pattern repeats at higher registers).
What's the Melodic Minor scale formula?
The Melodic Minor scale follows the interval pattern W H W W W W H, where W = whole step (2 semitones) and H = half step (1 semitone). Apply that pattern starting on D♭ to get the D♭ Melodic Minor scale.
What chords work over D♭ Melodic Minor?
Jazz minor's modes include the altered scale over V7alt and Lydian dominant over V7. Works well over m-maj7, m6, and the modern jazz minor sound.
How do I finger D♭ Melodic Minor on French Horn?
On brass, scales train embouchure + valve / slide coordination across the partials. Slow practice with a tuner reveals intonation tendencies (e.g., the 5th partial sharp on trumpet).
When would I use the Melodic Minor scale?
The classical melodic minor — raised 6th and 7th ascending, reverts to natural minor descending. Two distinct half-step patterns in one scale.