Melodic Minor Scales on Piano

The melodic minor scale raises both the sixth and seventh degrees ascending, then reverts to natural minor descending. This dual alteration smooths out the awkward augmented second of the harmonic minor while preserving the leading tone. In jazz, the ascending form is used in both directions and serves as the parent scale for seven important modes.

Formula: W–H–W–W–W–W–H ascending / W–W–H–W–W–H–W descending

Intervals: P1–M2–m3–P4–P5–M6–M7–P8

Scale degrees: 1–2–♭3–4–5–6–7 ascending / 1–2–♭3–4–5–♭6–♭7 descending

Sound: Smooth, sophisticated, jazzy

Also known as: Jazz minor (ascending form used in both directions)

Classical vs. jazz melodic minor: Classical training teaches the descending revert to natural minor. Jazz musicians use the ascending form in both directions, treating it as a distinct seven-note scale. This "jazz minor" is the parent scale for modes like Lydian Dominant, Altered (Super Locrian), and Locrian ♯2.