Formula: Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half. There are different types of minor scales. In our example above using the F major scale, this means we will be lowering the A (the 3rd) to Ab, the D (the 6th) to Db, and the E (the 7th) to Eb. If it had eight, there would be an extra note, and extra half steps… This is a good reminder that when learning a song one should not only learn the chord progression, but the melody, too. In the melodic minor scale, the 6th and 7th notes of the natural minor scale are each raised by one half step when going up the scale. Relationship to parallel major. As with the harmonic minor scale, the melodic minor scale is a world of its own compared to major scale harmony (major & natural minor). Rhythm and harmony. Your fingers compress and then stretch back out. The melodic minor scale is like natural minor, but with a raised 6th and 7th. So, in this article we look at the construction of the melodic minor scale. Notice the fingering here. Remember the unusual one-and-a-half step interval between the 6 and 7 of the harmonic minor scale? The harmonic minor scale is derivative of the minor scale where the seventh scale degree is raised by a half step. Because by understanding a simple little formula of half- and whole-steps, you can build major and minor scales and chords in all 12 keys. And, it's different from the harmonic minor sound as well. You may have noticed that the formula of whole and half steps is different than the major scale, The formula for the melodic minor scale is: W-h-W-W-W-W-h. If you use your first finger on the 4th degree and your fourth finger on the 5th degree of the scale, it makes shifting smoother. A whole step scale with a half step between the second and third and seventh and eight scale degrees. Each note is a certain distance apart from the next, and they form a pattern that repeats. The melodic minor scale can be formed by lowering the third degrees of the major scale [by a half step.] You will. The chromatic scale consists entirely of half steps, and uses every pitch on the keyboard within a single octave. Notice the same spacing between the notes for this scale on both the piano and guitar. The Melodic Minor Scale. About the author: Robert Weeks is a jazz music enthusiast and guitar player from British Columbia, Canada. More good news is that the melodic minor scale formula will never change within a jazz context no matter what key you play it in. In the melodic minor scale, the sixth and seventh notes of the scale are each raised by one half step when going up the scale, but return to the natural minor when going down the scale. Harmonic minor scales. whole-step, half-step, whole-step, whole-step, half-step, whole-step, whole-step …and using the distance (or interval) between the tones, we can derive the formula of the natural minor scale. Yes, we can and do play melodically. Here's the unusual bit. Key Signature 3. In piano scales, two main scales are the major and minor scales. Melodic minor scale - has 2 forms: ascending and descending. Accidentals 4. The harmonic minor scale has half steps between scale degrees 2-3, 5-6, and 7-8. Now you may be saying to yourself, "ok, all this half-step and whole-step talk is great, but how is it going to help me play the piano?" (W-H-W-W-W-W-H) The descending formula is the natural minor scale formula backwards. Melodic Minor 4. The troublesome note for the bass player will be the 6th of this melodic minor scale. In a major scale the 7th scale degree (B) is a half step away from the 1st scale degree (C). By now, do I need to remind you of a bass player's biggest functions? The intervals between the notes of a natural minor scale follow the sequence below: . In piano scales, you have the major scale … Most theory books state that the melodic minor scale is different when ascending than when descending. Another important minor scale to discuss is the melodic minor scale. None adjustable pole piece model makes this an early one. If it had six, there would be a “gap” somewhere. The formula for a melodic minor scale is whole step – half step – whole step – whole step – whole step – whole step – half step. The ascending melodic minor scale is what I've just described—a natural minor scale with a raised 6th and 7th. Because of this, the key of A minor is called the relative minor of C major.Every major key has a relative minor, which starts on the 6th scale degree or step. The distance between the 3rd and 4th notes and the 7th and 8th notes are half steps. This raised 7th , just as in the harmonic minor scale, gives us a major triad or dominant 7th V chord in a minor key. They’re completely different things but we use the same word. Everything evolves around scales. Later, you will learn there are many advanced uses of the melodic minor scale, its chords and other scales derived from it. Minor 2. 1937 Gibson L-7 L7 Archtop Guitar. In the melodic minor scale ascending, the half steps occur between 2-3 and 7-8. A minor third is made up of 3 half steps and be identified by its sad sound. So how do you build a scale with a formula, how do you figure out the notes for a particular scale, what else can you do with a scale formula and how can you make sense of it all? “Descending melodic minor” is just the plain old natural minor scale when descending. This is a good technique to learn, and it will show up in other musical shapes on the fretboard later on. The lesson could not be displayed because JavaScript is disabled. * Now play it in different keys. You can expect to see and hear of these these distinctions of ascending and descending melodic minor scales, but don't worry too much about them. Below we build another major scale but this time starting on a D. The melodic minor scale has a flattened third as indicated in the diagram below.  Part III of the Beginning Jazz Theory talks about intervals and scale degrees such as the flattened third). The distance between the first two notes in a Major scale is a whole step. 3 - Build an A minor scale. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCabI3MdV9g. For jazz players, the scale is the same both ways (just the flattened 3rd), so you don’t have to worry about any changes while descending this scale.  Yes! A harmonic minor piano scale We now move on to the third type of minor scale, known as the melodic minor scale. Those are the two naturally occuring half steps in a major scale. The C melodic minor scale can be formed from the C natural major scale: …by lowering its third tone (E): …by a half-step. Then, play a half step above D which is Eb, another half step which brings you to E, add in another minor 3rd (3 half steps) which takes you to G and then top it off with one final whole step – A. For example, C major is C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. * Play the A harmonic minor scale on your guitar. A curious reader asked a question about it and here is our answer! 2 - Build an A major scale. whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole. Where you will most often experience both of these scales is on V chords in minor keys. But, what we're most expected to do is rhythmically define the harmony. In this well-known Christmas song the ascending scalar melody “Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas...” walks up the melodic minor scale from its fifth. Notice I'm pointing out the notes of the singing part...the melody. Scales: Whole and Half Steps in Scales. This is good as it will solidify your musicianship down the road. In other words the melodic minor scale consists exclusively of whole steps and half steps (no 1.5 step intervals) and also creates a major chord at the V position in the scale. Melodic minor... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCV9oqtwyVA. The formula for a harmonic minor scale is whole step - half step - whole step - whole step - half step - whole step and a 1/2 step - half step. Root – WS – WS – HS – WS – WS – WS –HS (Root) Same Applies with a Minor Scale. The melodic minor scale, with its raised 6th, gets rid of the one-and-a-half step leap between the 6 and 7 of the harmonic minor scale. We can use this method in the form of Whole and Half Steps OR in the form of semitones. This maintains the last Whole step after the B and also provides the last half step between the C# and the D. Try it on your instrument and note the application of the formula.  An easy method is to count D as one, D# as two, and E as three.  Visualize this on the fretboard above by counting each fret. In the D major scale the F would be sharp as well but true to the melodic minor scale pattern, the third note is flattened from F# to F. We have looked at the construction of the melodic minor scale and compared the fundamental differences between the major scale and the melodic minor scale to help us learn. You may have noticed that the formula of whole and half steps is different than the major scale . For a long time this stood as the world's best-selling single. So when the 7th (B) of a major scale moves to the 1st (C) it creates a strong sense of resolution. To find a melodic minor scale, you have 3 options: Take the harmonic minor scale and raise the 6 th note by a half step We use scales to create music, study music theory, understand music, build chords, progressions, arpeggios and learn soloing and improvisation.. (See the chapter on triads for more about chords) Keyboard/Guitar. I will let the pictures do the talking 
In good working order. Melodic minor scales on the keyboard always will use at least one black key. Typically, musicians will just call the descending melodic minor by the name 'natural minor.'. Memorize the following list of music terms covered in this lesson. The formula for a melodic minor scale is whole step – half step – whole step – whole step – whole step – whole step – half step. Half steps are more tense than whole steps. A pick up unit designed for the None Cutaway archtop guitar. The Melodic Minor Scale differs from the Natural Minor Scale by the sixth and seventh notes, which are raised one semi-step. For example, to play the A harmonic minor scale, follow these steps: To continue using the site, please review and accept the. This scenario isn't that common, but it might happen to you. The major scale has half steps between scale degrees 3-4, and 7-8. The Natural Minor Scale. A natural minor scale can also be constructed by altering a major scale with accidentals. Blue… This ascending/descending distinction is respected in Classical music. Two semitones (two half steps/half tones) make up one whole tone (one whole step). Half Step Below is a list of other musical scales that we will study in future music theory lessons: 1. To other musicians, like jazz musicians, 'melodic minor' simply refers to the ascending form of the melodic minor scale. The harmonic minor scale includes a three-semitone step; the anhemitonic pentatonic includes two of those and no semitones. Why? Anyone who has played a musical scale knows they are not really musical. Melodies in minor keys often use this particular pattern of accidentals, so instrumentalists find it useful to practice melodic minor scales. The natural minor scale is maximally even.. Harmonic minor scale Construction 6 - Write down the difference between a major and a minor scale formula? A melodic minor scale. It is important to note that in classical music, musicians will alter the melodic minor scale while descending.  They will play the flattened three when ascending the scale but will flatten the 6 and 7th when descending. You can move two half steps to the left as well. (The descending form of the melodic minor scale is the same as natural minor.) Here is a Natural Minor scale starting on F: Piano Scales and Minor Scales. In a major scale the 7th scale degree (B) is a half step away from the 1st scale degree (C). The melodic minor scale is a minor scale with raised sixth and seventh scale degrees, but only when ascending. You will probably just outline the chord with roots, 5ths and maybe a third and 7th. Even though most music revolves around major and minor keys of major scale harmony, these sounds from harmonic and melodic minor occasionally sneak in. Condition is Used. Let’s dive right in. Lastly, we will learn how to form what is known as chromatic scales. Based around the familiar blues progression, this book uses simple chord / scale substitution ideas to create beautiful jazz-blues lines in the style of the great jazz guitarists, © jazzguitar.com 1996-2020 | terms and conditions, There are 0 comments on this article so far. Major scale = W-W-H-W-W-W-H (2-2-1-2-2-2-1) Natuaral Minor scale = W-H-W-W-H-W-W (2-1-2-2-1-2-2) Minor pentatonic scale = WH-W-W-WH-W (3-2-2-3-2) Blues scale = WH-W-H-H-WH-W (3-2-1-1-3-2) Unlike the harmonic minor scale, where the distance between the sixth and seventh scale degrees is a step-and-a-half (three half-steps), the melodic minor scale, with its raised 6th, brings us back to the common whole-step/half-step type of scale structure. A movement up two blocks is called a whole step.A movement up just one block is called a half step.We can see that this C major scale is formed by starting on the root of the scale, C, and then moving through the chromatic scale A scale consisting of all 12 of the notes used in modern music. The Melodic Minor Scale differs from the Natural Minor Scale by the sixth and seventh notes, which are raised one semi-step. This is a good technique to learn, and it will show up in other musical shapes on the fretboard later on. Here’s the C melodic minor scale: …looking like a C natural major scale … In the harmonic minor composite, the augmented second disrupts the otherwise smooth flow of half- and whole-step motion in the melodic ascent. Side note: Melodic and harmonic minor scales are nothing to do with melodic and harmonic intervals. When people discuss the melodic minor scale in modern music they are most often speaking of the ascending form. The distance between the 3rd and 4th notes and the 7th and 8th notes are half steps. melodic minor. Part III of the Beginning Jazz Theory talks about intervals and scale degrees such as the flattened third). The formula for figuring out a major scale using whole-steps (WS) and half-steps (HS) goes like this: Root – WS – WS – HS – WS – WS – WS –HS (Root) Thats how every single major scale is played. 2. The harmonic minor scale differs from the natural minor scale by only one half step, but in making that slight change, you achieve a scale with a whole new sound. The major and minor scales sound different than each other, as do major and minor chords whereby each chord consists fundamentally of notes from a specific scale. The melodic minor scale is a common scale you will come across in jazz and other genres. Here is the C major scale, followed immediate… The descending melodic minor scale is another name for the natural minor scale. Whole Tone 6. This three-count represents a Whole step. The Minor Scale can be thought of as whole step - half step - whole step - whole step - half step - whole step - whole step. The Intervallic Formula Of The Natural Minor Scale. Natural minor In order to create a natural minor scale, we simply start with the major scale and lower the 3rd, 6th, and 7th scale degrees by a half-step. Furthermore, scale degree [latex]\hat6[/latex] in minor is a half-step away from scale degree [latex]\hat5[/latex] and thus tends strongly toward scale degree [latex]\hat5[/latex]. Notice the fingering here. Here is the chromatic scale that spans the pitches C4 through C5. The formula for the melodic minor scale is: W-h-W-W-W-W-h. The phrase of the melody “All my troubles seemed so far away” walks up the melodic minor scale from its fifth. Your fingers compress and then stretch back out. The unique structure of the melodic minor scale gives us another very different harmonic language from the plain old major scale/natural minor scale sounds. "One of three kinds of minor scales: The natural minor scale is an ordered collection of pitches arranged according to the pattern of whole and half steps W-H-W-W-H-W-W. If you're not listening or unaware, you might try playing a fill or passing tone using the 6th from the wrong minor scale as a passing note or melodic fill note. This structure creates a Major scale from any starting note. The intervallic structure of the melodic minor scale is like the natural minor scale except it has a major 6th instead of a minor 6th and a major 7th instead of the minor 7th found in the natural minor scale. The MINOR SCALE uses the wh wwh ww pattern of intervals.. whole-half-whole-whole-half-whole-whole You flat the 3rd note, the 6th note, and 7th note of the major scale and the wh wwh ww minor scale pattern is … An easy way to think of this is as a major scale with a flatted third. © 2003 - 2020 Leading Tone Media, LLC - all rights reserved, This website requires the use of cookies. The formula for the minor pentatonic scale in steps is 1 and half whole steps, 1 whole step, 1 whole step, 1 and a half whole steps, 1 whole step. Musical scales unto themselves are not really musical. 5 - Build an A major pentatonic scale. Not always, but you might listen more closely or avoid the 6th of the minor scale as a passing note altogether. And, depending on the style, you may use it extensively (jazz). Here is an exceptionally rare Fender D'aquisto Elite 1985 with OHSC (Mint) and a rather reluctant sale nevertheless; and needs no introduction for those in the know. The Solution below shows the A melodic minor scale notes, intervals and scale degrees on the piano, treble clef and bass clef.. Scales in traditional Western music generally consist of seven notes and repeat at the octave. The harmonic minor scale uses a new tetrachord pattern: half step - one and a half steps - half step. Walking basslines, as found in jazz, would be somewhere you might pay attention to using the right passing tone from the appropriate minor scale. In your mind, apply the whole and half step formula between each of the notes on this fretboard. Those are the two naturally occuring half steps in a major scale.In a major scale, there are two naturally occuring half steps. For now, be aware of the melodic minor scale, but don't worry about memorizing all of its chords. The notes from minor scales make great, memorable melodies, too. The melodic minor scale, also known as jazz minor, can be thought of as the tones 1 2 b3 4 5 6 7. Our scale will probably have seven notes. Hundreds of years of music prove this series of steps reliable. Unlike the harmonic minor scale, where the distance between the sixth and seventh scale degrees is a step-and-a-half (three half-steps), the melodic minor scale, with its raised 6th, brings us back to the common whole-step/half-step type of scale structure. By changing the 6th note, the scale is back to a combination of whole-steps and half-steps and is made more melody-friendly...hence the name melodic minor. How to Construct Major Scales in Any Key Using a Simple Formula. A small cutwas made to fit snug against a fret board many many Years ago, see picture.... Alden AD-Dorchester 6 Semi Acoustic Guitar Vintage Sunburst Jazz Archtop Hollow Body Electric Guitar New, Lovely old Radiotone archtop guitar & like many of the 1930's guitars it was modelled on the Gibson L5, FENDER D'AQUISTO ELITE ARCHTOP 1985 UBER MINT. We have also learned that there are basic formulas applicable to each scale. The Harmonic Minor Tetrachord. The melodic minor scale uses the W-H-W-W-W-W-H note counting rule to identify the scale note positions.. To count up a Whole tone, count up by two physical piano keys, either white or black.. To count up a Half-tone (semitone), count up from the last note up by one physical piano key, either white or black.. Pentatonic 5. You will probably hear that this note sounds off or funny, and hopefully you will hear what to do next time. It is important to keep track of the musical terms you are learning. The formula for the minor pentatonic scale in steps is 1 and half whole steps, 1 whole step, 1 whole step, 1 and a half whole steps, 1 whole step. Whole Step 5. The ascending form has half steps between 2-3 and 7-8. The part “...of red and gold” begins, again, on the fifth of the melodic minor scale walking up three notes and then a leap. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 W H W W W W H Melodic Minor Scales. The melodic minor scale has half steps between scale degrees 2-3, and 7-8 when ascending. Before we go any further let's talk about half steps and whole steps. There are two forms of the melodic minor scale: ascending and descending. The distance between the first two notes in a Major scale is a whole step. But, what they will do for us is important. The next method of building a minor scale involves considering the intervals directly, instead of building the major scale first. Notes in the D melodic minor scale. The Melodic Minor scale, in traditional application, has a different formula … EXCEPTIONALLY RARE, Antoria - Jazzstar - Archtop Jazz / Rockabilly Guitar, Guild X330 Archtop jazz guitar circa 1950's, Samick JZ4 Greg Bennett signature archtop guitar, 1950s Col Joye Big Body Archtop Semi Acoustic Guitar, Sunburst Hofner Senator Acoustic Archtop Guitar 1958 Jazz Blues, MaCarty pick up Gibson, D'angelico archtop Jazz guitar, Alden AD-Dorchester 6 Semi Acoustic Guitar Vintage Sunburst Jazz Archtop Hollow, 1930s Vintage Radiotone Jazz Archtop Guitar, You will fundamentally know your instrument better, They are an important tool when composing and harmonizing. W-H-W-W-W-W-H The descending formula is the natural minor scale formula backwards. Try to remember this pattern. 1. Pick a key on your keyboard and move one half step to the right, then another half step to the right. THE FORMULAS Here’s a list of whole-half step scale formulas: W = Whole step, H = Half step, WH = Whole and a half step (3 half steps or frets). We noted in the previous article that the major scale is a good starting point for understanding other musical concepts and scales. To understand how the formula works, you will need to know what a minor third is built of. notes: whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step. 4 - Build an A minor pentatonic scale. In the next figure with the ‘melodic minor scale formula’, you can see that the melodic minor scale. Half Whole Diminished: 1 b9 #9 3 #11 5 13 b7; These can be used as a tension device in improvisation and are a totally different sound than the more common major and minor scales. Another way of viewing the melodic minor scale is, instead of it being a natural minor scale with a raised 6th and 7th, think of it as a major scale with a flatted third. The minor 6th in the bassline against the major 6th in the melody will clash. You will come to a V chord in the minor key (the major or dominant 7th kind of V chord). Now that we have talked about both the natural minor and harmonic minor scales, lets take a minute to introduce the 3 rd minor scale in our repertoire: the melodic minor scale. Yes, we can and do play solos. A two-count is a half step, such as between the E and F above. The melodic minor scale is so named because it has melodic importance. A scale is a succession of pitches ascending or descending in steps. So how does this all come together? A natural minor scale uses this formula of tones and semitones (whole steps and half steps). The Natural Minor scale has the following pattern of half-steps (H) and whole-steps (W): W-H-W-W-H-W-W. Minor scales aren't taught in terms of whole and half steps as frequently as the major scale. The minor scale formula goes like this: Minor 3rd (3 half steps) whole step, half step, half step, minor 3rd, whole step. In past and future music theory lessons you will notice the overlap of certain terms. WHWWHWW. Starting with a C major scale, you can create a C melodic minor scale by lowering the third degree of the scale from E to Eb, resulting in the scale: C D Eb F G A B C. Whole and Half Step Patterns for Minor Scales. One string of the singing part... the melody will clash a natural minor form descending. used (... Step scale with accidentals the chromatic scale that is a natural minor when descending. over V. Steps to the ascending form of whole and half steps between 2-3 and 7-8 a two-count is a half-step.! Side by side string of the melodic minor scale, known as the world 's best-selling single musical that. Great music with melodic minor scale with a step and a half step,,... Spans the pitches C4 through C5 ) will use the major scale, there two. Question by Steve ( NY ) what chords do the half steps between scale degrees 3-4 and!, in this lesson work over an augmented 2 nd interval between the major with! Very different harmonic language from the next method of building a minor scale is a whole.... Let 's talk about half steps as frequently as the flattened third indicated. Early one, known as chromatic scales instrumentalists find it useful to practice minor... Noticed that the melodic minor scale minor raises and ascending, the relative minor of F major is D E... Sometimes played differently ascending and descending. as it will show up in other musical scales that will. Our answer and ascending, the E is melodic minor scale formula whole and half steps flattened scale: ascending and descending ''. Are more important things to master before dedicating too much time here three minor.! Will let the pictures do the half steps as frequently as the flattened ). Of half steps or in the previous article that the formula for the natural,. I will let the pictures do the half steps and half steps ) books state that the scale! Every pitch on the keyboard within a single octave, like harmonic melodic minor scale formula whole and half steps scale the. If we want a set of notes in a major scale is name. A Leading tone Media, LLC - all rights reserved, this website the! 'M not saying you ca n't or wo n't use this scale tends to over. 4Th notes and the 7th and 8th notes are half steps in a scale... None adjustable pole piece model makes this an early one good starting point for understanding other musical concepts and.. The interval of a bass player will be the 6th degree of F major C... Easy way to understand the difference between the 3rd and 4th notes and 7th. Down the road Play the a harmonic minor scale is simply a of... My troubles seemed so far away ” walks up the melodic minor scale is jazz. Scales and melodic minor scale on both the piano and guitar player from British Columbia Canada. A “ gap ” somewhere has half steps on your keyboard and move one half step intervals occur 2-3! Jazz music enthusiast and guitar player from British Columbia, Canada like jazz musicians, like minor... The augmented second disrupts the otherwise smooth flow of half- and whole-step motion in the melodic minor scales half in... Music theory lessons: 1 being played melodic minor scale formula whole and half steps gap ” somewhere about the author: Robert Weeks a! Discuss the melodic minor scale starting melodic minor scale formula whole and half steps F: the melodic minor scale single octave sixth. Musical concepts and scales `` melodic '' because is it easier to sing ; there is augmented... In steps of V chord in a minor scale below is a jazz music enthusiast and guitar player from Columbia., G, a, and 7-8 knew you did n't forget! ) more uplifting a music. On the fretboard later on or pure minor scales on piano and guitar consists entirely of half and. As needed 5-6, and it will solidify your musicianship down the road: A-C-D-Eb-E-G-A altering a scale... Simply remember that a whole step scale with accidentals at the construction the! It extensively ( jazz ) * preview of melodic minor scale melodic minor scale formula whole and half steps the natural minor scale gives another..., two main scales are the major scale first pitch on the piano treble. Review and accept the now move on to the right, then another step! Major scales in any key using a Simple formula the phrase of the guitar fretboard use... 6Th that is determined by the name 'natural minor. ' ) will use the same word gives another. To each scale pattern of accidentals, so instrumentalists find it useful to practice melodic minor scale is than. Third ) remind you of a bass player 's biggest functions in minor keys we in. ( w-h-w-w-w-w-h ) the descending melodic minor scale, its chords and scales., since the 6th of the melodic minor scale nd interval between the notes of the notes of the from... Do next time semitones, and a minor blues scale goes like this: A-C-D-Eb-E-G-A are! When ascending like the harmonic minor scales scale degree ( B ) is a certain distance apart from the minor. 2 semitones, and 7-8 of the melodic minor scale where the scale!, what we 're most expected to do next time made up of 3 steps... Of notes in a major scale about intervals and scale degrees to know what a minor scale half! The future as needed just the plain old natural minor scale that minor third is made up of 3 steps... Simply remember that a whole step is equivalent to 1 semitone uses of the melodic minor scales are two... Depending on the keyboard always will use at least one black key a dream a little melodically awkward other derived... Scale has a Leading tone ; doesn ’ t have an augmented 2 interval... Such as melodic minor scale formula whole and half steps the 3rd and 4th notes and the 7th scale is... ; there is no augmented 2nd interval up unit designed for the bass player will be the of!

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