The D♭ Melodic Minor scale contains seven notes: D♭, E♭, F♭, G♭, A♭, B♭, and C. It follows the whole-step / half-step pattern W-H-W-W-W-W-H.
Enharmonic equivalent: D♭ is enharmonically equivalent to C♯. See C# Melodic Minor Scale Scale.
Db Melodic Minor Scale Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | D♭ | P1 |
| 2 | Supertonic | E♭ | M2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | F♭ | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | G♭ | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | A♭ | P5 |
| 6 | Submediant | B♭ | M6 |
| 7 | Leading Tone | C | M7 |
| 8 | Octave | D♭ | P8 |
Key Signature
The Db Melodic Minor Scale uses the same key signature as Db natural minor (its relative major, E Major) — 4 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯). The raised 6th and 7th degrees are written as accidentals, not in the signature.
F♯C♯G♯D♯
Written as accidentals
D♭E♭F♭G♭A♭B♭C♮
Order of sharps
Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯
Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
Diatonic Chords in the D♭ Melodic Minor Scale
These are the triads built on each degree of the D♭ Melodic Minor Scale:
| Degree | Numeral | Chord | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | i | D♭ Minor | Minor |
| 2 | ii | E♭ Minor | Minor |
| 3 | III+ | F♭ Augmented | Augmented |
| 4 | IV | G♭ Major | Major |
| 5 | V | A♭ Major | Major |
| 6 | vi° | B♭ Diminished | Diminished |
| 7 | vii° | C Diminished | Diminished |
Db Melodic Minor Scale — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Db Melodic Minor Scale?
The Db Melodic Minor Scale (ascending form) contains: Db Eb Fb Gb Ab Bb C (plus the octave). It raises both the 6th and 7th degrees of Db Natural Minor. The descending form reverts to natural minor. In jazz, the ascending form is used in both directions and is sometimes called the "jazz minor" scale.
Why does the melodic minor scale have two versions?
Classical theory uses two forms: ascending (with raised 6th and 7th for smooth upward movement) and descending (natural minor for smooth downward movement). In jazz, the ascending form is used in both directions — this single form is called the "jazz melodic minor" and is the standard in contemporary contexts.
How does Db Melodic Minor differ from Db Major?
The Db Melodic Minor Scale is like Db Major with a lowered 3rd degree. It shares 6 of the 7 notes with Db Major — only the 3rd is flatted. This gives melodic minor a unique hybrid character: it sounds almost major but with a minor 3rd colouring.
What is the fingering for the Db Melodic Minor Scale?
Right hand: 23412312. Left hand: 32143213. The melodic minor uses similar fingering to natural minor. Practice the ascending form first, then the descending natural minor form, before combining them into the full classical two-directional scale.
What modes come from the Db Melodic Minor Scale?
The Db Melodic Minor Scale generates seven modes, some with important names: Mode 2 (Dorian b2 / Phrygian #6), Mode 4 (Lydian Dominant), Mode 5 (Mixolydian b6), Mode 6 (Locrian #2 / Half-Diminished), and Mode 7 (Altered Scale / Super Locrian). These modes are foundational to modern jazz improvisation.
What music uses the Db Melodic Minor Scale?
Melodic minor is used in Classical music (Bach, Mozart, Romantic composers), jazz improvisation (especially over minor-major 7th chords and as the source of the altered scale), and in film music. The jazz melodic minor (ascending only) is one of the most important scales in modern harmony.