A Melodic Minor Scale
Reviewed for accuracy · Last updated June 2026 · Maintained by Justin Evans
A – B – C – D – E – F♯ – G♯ – A
Formula:W-H-W-W-W-W-H
Intervals:P1-M2-m3-P4-P5-M6-M7-P8
Scale Degrees:1-2-♭3-4-5-6-7-8
Introduction
The A Melodic Minor Scale (ascending form) raises both the 6th and 7th degrees of the A Natural Minor scale, creating a smooth melodic line toward the tonic. Its notes are A - B - C - D - E - F# - G# - A.
A Melodic Minor Scale Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | A | P1 |
| 2 | Supertonic | B | M2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | C | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | D | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | E | P5 |
| 6 | Submediant | F♯ | M6 |
| 7 | Leading Tone | G♯ | M7 |
| 8 | Octave | A | P8 |
Key Signature
The A Melodic Minor Scale uses the same key signature as A natural minor (its relative major, C Major) — no sharps or flats. The raised 6th and 7th degrees are written as accidentals, not in the signature.
Accidentals
F♯G♯
Diatonic Chords in the A Melodic Minor Scale
These are the triads built on each degree of the A Melodic Minor Scale:
| Degree | Numeral | Chord | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | i | A Minor | Minor |
| 2 | ii | B Minor | Minor |
| 3 | III+ | C Augmented | Augmented |
| 4 | IV | D Major | Major |
| 5 | V | E Major | Major |
| 6 | vi° | F♯ Diminished | Diminished |
| 7 | vii° | G♯ Diminished | Diminished |
A Melodic Minor Scale — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the A Melodic Minor Scale?
The A Melodic Minor Scale (ascending form) contains: A B C D E F# G# (plus the octave). It raises both the 6th and 7th degrees of A 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 A Melodic Minor differ from A Major?
The A Melodic Minor Scale is like A Major with a lowered 3rd degree. It shares 6 of the 7 notes with A 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 A Melodic Minor Scale?
Right hand: 12312345. Left hand: 54321321. 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 A Melodic Minor Scale?
The A 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 A 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.
Practice Tips
- Learn the ascending form first: A B C D E F# G# — then learn the descending as natural minor. Classical players use both; jazz players use ascending in both directions.
- Compare A Melodic Minor with A Major: only the 3rd is different. Play them back to back to hear the subtle but significant mood shift.
- Use the correct fingering (RH: 12312345) — same pattern as natural minor.
- Practice the ascending form over a Am(maj7) chord — melodic minor fits this chord perfectly.
- Explore the modes: the 7th mode of A Melodic Minor is the altered Altered Scale — one of the most important jazz improvisation tools.
- Listen to how Bach and Mozart use melodic minor in their minor-key works to hear the classical ascending/descending distinction in practice.
References & Further Reading
How this scale page is sourced & verified
The note names, intervals, fingering, and harmony on this page are drawn from the established body of Western music theory and verified against the conventions below — the same fundamentals taught in conservatories and music programs. We list categories of source material rather than individual titles, and reference the standards themselves rather than any single edition.
- Standard music theory texts — Widely taught fundamentals of pitch, rhythm, and notation.
- Western tonal harmony conventions — Established rules for chord construction, voice leading, and key relationships.
- Interval and chord construction standards — The conventional spelling of intervals, triads, sevenths, and extensions.
- Scale and mode theory — The common derivation of major, minor, pentatonic, blues, and modal scales.
- Piano pedagogy and technique references — Long-standing practices for fingering, hand position, and practice.
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