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SCALE · ON TRUMPET IN BB

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.

MEIMIDIHumdrum
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Tempo120 bpm

Playback sounds a major 2nd below the written notation — the instrument's concert (sounding) pitch.

Audio source: tonejs-instruments by Nick Brosowsky (MIT)

Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 5 title D Melodic Minor Verovio
Keyboard
DEFGABDEFGABDEFGABDC♯C♯C♯
Related scales
Diatonic chord harmonisation
Same scale, other instruments
Same scale, other tonics
Modes built on this tonic
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Theory reference
Questions
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 Trumpet in Bb?

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.