fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON VIOLA

B Melodic Minor

The classical melodic minor — raised 6th and 7th ascending, reverts to natural minor descending. Two distinct half-step patterns in one scale.

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Tempo120 bpm

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

Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 5 title B Melodic Minor Verovio
Keyboard
BDEBC♯F♯G♯A♯
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 B Melodic Minor scale?

The B Melodic Minor scale uses the notes B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G♯, A♯ (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 B to get the B Melodic Minor scale.

What chords work over B 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 B Melodic Minor on Viola?

On bowed strings, scales train both fingering and bow technique. First-position fingerings cover most scales up to one octave; second-, third-, and fourth-position shifts unlock the higher register. The 1-2-3-4 finger pattern adapts to the half-step + whole-step positions per scale.

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.