The harmonic and melodic minor scales are specialized forms of the natural minor scale, offering unique tonal colors and emotional expressions.
- Harmonic Minor Scale: Raised 7th degree, creating a dramatic and exotic sound.
- Melodic Minor Scale: Raised 6th and 7th degrees when ascending; often reverts to natural minor when descending.
- Used extensively in classical, jazz, and world music for their distinctive moods and harmonic possibilities.
The harmonic minor scale raises the 7th degree of the natural minor scale.
The melodic minor scale raises the 6th and 7th degrees when ascending, and usually descends as the natural minor.
Source Material
Author: MusicTheory.net
Document: Harmonic Minor Scale - MusicTheory.net
Date Published: 2024
Source Material
Author: Berklee Online
Document: Melodic Minor Scale - Berklee Online
Date Published: 2024
Harmonic Minor Scale
The harmonic minor scale is derived from the natural minor scale by raising the seventh note by a half step, which creates a leading tone that strongly resolves to the tonic. This alteration gives the scale a distinctive, dramatic sound often associated with classical, jazz, and Middle Eastern music.
- Interval Formula: 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7
- The raised 7th creates a leading tone, enhancing harmonic tension.
- Commonly used to build minor key dominant chords (V7) for strong resolution.
The harmonic minor scale follows the intervals: 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7.
The raised 7th in the harmonic minor scale creates a strong leading tone to the tonic.
Harmonic Minor Scale Example: A Harmonic Minor
| Note | A | B | C | D | E | F | G♯ | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interval | 1 | 2 | ♭3 | 4 | 5 | ♭6 | 7 | 1 |
A, B, C, D, E, F, and G♯ are the notes of the A harmonic minor scale.
The harmonic minor scale adds an exotic, dramatic flavor to minor key music.
Melodic Minor Scale
The melodic minor scale modifies the natural minor by raising both the sixth and seventh notes when ascending, which smooths out the melodic line and introduces a jazzier, more sophisticated sound. Traditionally, the scale reverts to natural minor when descending, though some genres use the ascending form both ways.
- Interval Formula (Ascending): 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- Interval Formula (Descending): 1, ♭6, ♭7, (natural minor)
- Provides unique chords for jazz improvisation and expanded harmonic possibilities.
Ascending melodic minor is 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, 6, 7; descending is 1, ♭6, ♭7.
Source Material
Author: Berklee Online
Document: Melodic Minor Scale - Definition and Examples
Date Published: 2024
Melodic Minor Scale Example: A Melodic Minor
| Note (Asc) | A | B | C | D | E | F♯ | G♯ | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interval | 1 | 2 | ♭3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 1 |
| Note (Desc) | A | G | F | E | D | C | B | A |
| Interval | 1 | ♭7 | ♭6 | 5 | 4 | ♭3 | 2 | 1 |
The ascending A melodic minor scale includes A, B, C, D, E, F♯, and G♯.
Raising the 6th and 7th in the melodic minor scale creates smoother, more 'major-like' melodic motion.
The melodic minor scale is often used for improvisation over minor-major chords in jazz.
Conclusion
Harmonic and melodic minor scales expand the expressive possibilities beyond the natural minor scale, providing distinctive sounds and advanced harmonic options for composers and performers.
- The harmonic minor scale’s raised 7th creates a striking, exotic sound and strong harmonic pull.
- The melodic minor scale smooths melodic motion with raised 6th and 7th, offering versatility in classical and jazz contexts.
- Mastery of these scales is essential for deeper musical understanding and creative expression in diverse genres.