The melodic minor scale is known as the jazz minor scale among seasoned musicians, because of the minor major(-Maj7) sound it creates in your solos.
Frequently used by jazz musicians, this notorious sound has also made its appearance in fusion and rock music.
The melodic minor has been getting a lot of attention lately because of its unique sound and ability to add a new depth of colour and soul to your solos, when used correctly.
By dissecting or deconstructing the scale, I will show how to apply the melodic minor for your own soloing purposes.
1.The Construction Of The Melodic Minor Scale
| a | b | c | d | e | F# | G# | a |
| R | T9 | b3 | T11 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R |
The melodic minor has a major 7, which is the distinguishing note of the scale. When soloing, highlight the major 7, this brings out the melodic minor sound. It sounds weird if you are anything but a Jazz player. It is mostly due to the phrasing and the chord progression it is played over.
2. Chords Of The Melodic Minor Scale
Now we know how to construct the melodic minor scale, let us look at the variables of chords available in the key of A minor.
1st Melodic Minor Chord: A Minor – Major 7
| A | C | E | G# |
| 1 | b3 | 5 | M7 |
2nd Melodic Minor Chord: B minor 7
| B | D | F# | A |
| 1 | b3 | 5 | b7 |
3rd Melodic Minor Chord: C major 7#5
| C | E | G# | B |
| 1 | 3 | #5 | 7 |
4th Melodic Minor Chord: D dom 7
| D | F# | A | C |
| 1 | 3 | 5 | b7 |
5th Melodic Minor Chord: E dom 7
| E | G# | B | D |
| 1 | 3 | 5 | b7 |
6th Melodic Minor Chord: F# minor 7b5
| F# | A | C | E |
| 1 | b3 | b5 | b7 |
7th Melodic Minor Chord: G# minor 7b5
| G# | B | D | F# |
| 1 | b3 | b5 | b7 |
Did you notice that most of the chords in the melodic minor have a b7? Playing the melodic minor is about creating tension, and resolving it to prevent clashing sounds between the minor 7th and major 7th. For example, take a listen to So What by Grant Green here.
Now that we’ve constructed the scale and dissected the chords, you can experiment with these chords and different progressions. The flavour profile is very different to anyone from a Rock and Blues background.
In part 2 coming in April 2024, we will look at all the modes in the melodic minor scale and how they are constructed. As well as how to apply the melodic minor scale.
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