C Melodic Minor
The classical melodic minor — raised 6th and 7th ascending, reverts to natural minor descending. Two distinct half-step patterns in one scale.
Audio source: FluidR3_GM SoundFont (public domain)
What notes are in the C Melodic Minor scale?
The C Melodic Minor scale uses the notes C, D, E♭, F, G, A, B (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 C to get the C Melodic Minor scale.
What chords work over C 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 C Melodic Minor on Tenor?
Singing scales (solfège) trains pitch accuracy + interval recognition. Use moveable Do (Do = tonic) so any scale starts on Do. The major scale solfège (Do-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La-Ti-Do) is the universal pattern.
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.