The melodic minor scale is a modified minor scale used in Western music to balance melodic smoothness with harmonic function. It adjusts the pitches of the natural minor scale to remove awkward melodic intervals while preserving the directional strength of the leading tone.
Unlike the harmonic minor scale, which alters a single pitch, the melodic minor scale changes two scale degrees depending on melodic direction.
Definition of the Melodic Minor Scale
The melodic minor scale is constructed by raising the sixth and seventh scale degrees of the natural minor scale when ascending, and returning to the natural minor form when descending.
Ascending interval pattern:
Whole step
Half step
Whole step
Whole step
Whole step
Whole step
Half step
Descending interval pattern:
Whole step
Whole step
Half step
Whole step
Whole step
Half step
Whole step
Example in A:
Ascending:
A, B, C, D, E, F sharp, G sharp, A
Descending:
A, G, F, E, D, C, B, A
Why the Melodic Minor Scale Exists
The harmonic minor scale introduces an augmented second between the sixth and seventh scale degrees, which can sound angular or difficult to sing.
By raising the sixth scale degree in addition to the seventh:
the augmented second is eliminated
melodic motion becomes smoother
stepwise motion is preserved
This modification is driven by melodic considerations rather than harmonic necessity.
Directional Nature of the Scale
A defining characteristic of the melodic minor scale is that it changes depending on direction.
When ascending:
raised sixth supports smooth motion
raised seventh functions as a leading tone
When descending:
altered tones are removed
the scale reverts to natural minor
This directional flexibility reflects historical melodic practice rather than a fixed pitch collection.
Harmonic Implications
Although called melodic minor, the scale has harmonic consequences.
Ascending melodic minor supports:
major dominant harmony
functional leading tone resolution
expanded chord possibilities
However, harmonic writing typically treats melodic minor as a melodic resource rather than a harmonic system.
Melodic Minor vs Harmonic Minor
Key differences:
harmonic minor raises only the seventh
melodic minor raises both sixth and seventh when ascending
harmonic minor emphasizes harmony
melodic minor emphasizes melodic smoothness
Composers frequently move between all three minor forms within a single piece.
Use in Composition and Analysis
In tonal music:
melodic minor appears in ascending melodic lines
descending lines often return to natural minor
harmonic minor is used at cadences
The three minor scales function together as a unified minor key system rather than separate tonalities.
