Audio 9
Natural, Harmonic, and Melodic Minor Scales
The component scale steps for Melodic minor are:
ˆ
ˆ
ˆ
ˆ
ˆ
ˆ
ˆ
ˆ
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
W
H
W
W
W
W
H
Observe several properties:
1. Both the sixth and seventh scale degrees have been raised. Depending
upon the starting pitch and the scale, this uses accidentals in the form
of sharp signs, natural signs, or a combination of the two.
2. The second tetrachord of this scale is identical to the second
tetrachord of the Major scale.
3. It is customary to
revert
to the Natural minor form when descending.
This
must
be shown using the appropriate accidentals. In some melodic
minor scales double sharp signs must be used to alter sixth and
seventh scale degrees. When reverting back to Natural minor, a
Natural sign
followed
by a sharp sign is used,
not merely a sharp alone
.
Figure 3.14
Other Examples of Melodic Minor Scales
Audio 10
Other Melodic Minor Scales
Chapter 3 The Foundations Scale-Steps and Scales
3.2 Heptatonic Scales: The Major Scale, The Three Forms of the Minor Scale
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