The A Melodic Minor scale contains seven notes: A, B, C, D, E, F♯, and G♯. It follows the whole-step / half-step pattern W-H-W-W-W-W-H.
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.