explained for players

Let’s dive deeper into Intervals and figure out what the scales are. Scales are a selection of notes, out of the chromatic scale (12 notes). They are constructed using steps.

The Melodic Minor scale is unique in that it differs when ascending and descending. Ascending, it has a brighter, more hopeful sound, while descending, it reverts to the darker tones of the Natural Minor scale. This duality makes it a versatile tool for composers looking to add complexity and nuance to their music.

This scale is often used in jazz and classical music, where its distinctive sound can add a sophisticated and modern touch. Jazz musicians, in particular, appreciate the Melodic Minor scale for its ability to create interesting and unexpected melodic lines. It's also used in film scores to evoke a sense of tension and resolution.

Harmonically, the Melodic Minor scale allows for the creation of unique chord progressions that aren't possible with the Natural Major or Minor scales. These progressions can add a fresh and innovative feel to a piece, making it stand out. Whether you're exploring new musical territories or adding depth to a composition, the Melodic Minor scale is an invaluable resource.

The relative steps of the melodic minor scale are: w-h-w-w-w-w-h (w=whole step, h=half step).
Let’s explore how that exactly works:

melodic minor scale in chromatic intervals

To explain the the melodic minor scale best, take a look at the piano. Especially to the highlighted notes. Those are the notes in the melodic minor scale.

123456789101112

Notice the numbers of the highlighted notes.
Schematically they look like this:

1X34X6X8X10X12
Chromatic intervals for highlighted notes
CC♯DD♯EFF♯GG♯AA♯B
Note names in chromatic scale (in key of C)

melodic minor scale in diatonic intervals

If we would re-number the highlighted notes (instead of using the absolute numbers of the chromatic scale) we create a new interval (scale) that looks like this.

12â™­34567

Notice again the numbers of the highlighted notes.
Schematically they look like this:

1X2â™­3X4X5X6X7
Diatonic intervals in the melodic minor scale
CC♯DD♯EFF♯GG♯AA♯B
Notes names for the melodic minor scale (in key of C)

What does diatonic mean?

The term "diatonic" refers to a scale that uses a mix of whole steps and half steps. When we say "diatonic," we mean notes that belong to the scale. For example, if you're playing in the key of F♯ major and using F♯ major notes, those notes are diatonic.

In the piano example above, you saw that only the notes from the scale are used. This means they only include notes "of the scale." Knowing about diatonic notes is important for understanding music theory and making melodies that sound good.

Using diatonic notes helps musicians keep their music in key, making it sound smooth and pleasant. Understanding diatonic notes will improve your musical skills and creativity.

Musical Step names

The steps (also known as conjunct motion) of a diatonic scale are known by these names:
  • 1st – Tonic (key note)
  • 2nd – Supertonic
  • 3rd – Mediant
  • 4th – Subdominant
  • 5th – Dominant
  • 6th – Submediant
  • 7th – Leading tone
  • 8th – Tonic (Octave)

Scale degree

The scale degree tells how the scale is transformed.

The scale degree of melodic minor scale is 1, 2, â™­3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
The diatonic interval 3â™­ is flat, hence the â™­ sign. Flat means to go down a half step. On piano that's one key down, on a banjo that's one fret down.
If you scroll back to the piano above, you’ll notice the black keys correspond to this.

The on the in key of

Back to the banjo! You might wonder how this all translates back to your instrument and that might be a bit confusing at first, but please stay tuned. As you just seen, the chromatic intervals for melodic minor scale are {1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12}. To most people, this is not very useful information. The diatonic steps 1, 2, â™­3, 4, 5, 6, 7 are more important to know. Try to learn see the difference between those and learn that by heart. From there it is way more interesting and practical to look at diatonic scale intervals.

Switch between chromatic/diatonic/notes below to see/learn the relations between them. For convenience, the root note (F♯) is highlighted.

012345678910111213141516171819
Exercise Try to play all the highlighted root notes (1) on your instrument! Tap on the fretboard to see if it matches.
Display total frets:

The following table contains overview of the most used scales and its intervals.
Scale nameIntervalDegreeSteps
Major scale1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 121, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7w-w-h-w-w-w-h
Minor scale1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 111, 2, â™­3, 4, 5, â™­6, â™­7w-h-w-w-h-w-w
Melodic minor scale1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 121, 2, â™­3, 4, 5, 6, 7w-h-w-w-w-w-h
Harmonic minor scale1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 121, 2, â™­3, 4, 5, â™­6, 7w-h-w-w-h-wh-h
Minor blues scale1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 111, â™­3, 4, â™­5, 5, â™­7wh-w-h-h-wh-w
Major blues scale1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 111, 2, â™­3, 3, 5, 6wh-w-h-h-wh-w
Minor pentatonic scale1, 4, 6, 8, 111, â™­3, 4, 5, â™­7wh-w-w-wh-w
Major pentatonic scale1, 3, 5, 8, 101, 2, 3, 5, 6w-w-wh-w-wh
Overview of more scales
Musical Scale Degree
♭=half step down, ♯=half step up, ♯♯=whole step up
Musical Steps
w=whole step, h=half step, wh=whole and half step

As you might notice, the scales have 7 notes, except for the blues and pentatonic scales.