The Melodic Minor Scale Deconstructed Part 2

In part 1 of deconstructing the Melodic Minor scale we examined the chords around the scale. Here we will discuss the actual modes/scales and their applications. Fasten your seatbelt and put your chair in the full upright position.

1. I-Maj7 /A Melodic Minor ascending

a	b	c	d	e	F#	G#	a
R	T9	b3	T11	5	6	7	R

 

2. II-7 B Dorian b9

b	c	d	e	F#	G#	a	b
R	Tb9	b3	T11	5	S6	b7	R

 

3. bIII maj7#5 Lydian Augmented

c	d	e	F#	G#	a	b	c
R	T9	3	T#11	#5	S6	7	R

 

4. IV7 Lydian b7

d	e	F#	G#	a	b	c	d
R	T9	3	T#11	5	T13	b7	R

 

5. V7 Mixolydian b13

e	F#	G#	a	b	c	d	a
R	T9	3	S4	5	Tb13	b7	R

 

6. VI-7b5 Locrian♮2

F#	G#	a	b	c	d	e	F#
R	T9	b3	T11	b5	Tb13	b7	R

 

7. VII-7b5 Super Locrian

G#	a	b	c	d	e	F#	G#
R	Tb9	b3	b4	b5	Tb13	7	R

 

Did you notice that all notes of the modes are the same? The only difference is, the sequence that they are arranged in. By that logic you can learn one mode and apply all seven depending on the chord. The root or key of each scale is what gives each one a different flavour. Think of Basil vs Oregano – both Italian herbs but vastly different flavours. The next step to the dissection is the application of these scales.

Melodic Minor Application

When improvising a solo, you don’t want to think too much. You basically want to let go of everything you know and just let the music happen. But with 7 modes and 35 possible shapes, it’s almost impossible not to think about what shape to use. However, you can stick to the melodic minor mode (ascending) and still apply the correct chords scale by means of the sequences of chords you come across in a progression. Allow me to show you below.

• A-Maj7

The correct chord scale would be A melodic minor ascending. Or (R) for root or starting on the root note of the chord with your melodic minor chord scale pattern.

• B-7

The correct chord scale would be Dorian b9, but if you apply A melodic minor over this chord the result will still be Dorian b9. So, by starting your melodic minor shape on the (b7) of the chord (a/A melodic minor), you’re applying the Dorian b9 mode.

• Cmaj7#5

The correct chord scale would be Lydian Augmented, by starting your melodic minor pattern on (6), which again is A melodic minor, will result in Lydian Augmented.

So, my point is playing A melodic minor over any of the chords in the melodic minor scale will imply the correct chord scale.

Even If there is model interchange you can apply this technique:

Chord:	Start Melodic Minor Pattern On:
Ø  i-maj7 Ø  ii-7 Ø  bIII+maj7 Ø  IV7 Ø  V7 Ø  Vi-7b5 Ø  Vii-7b5	Ø  R Ø  b7 Ø  6 Ø  5 Ø  4 Ø  b3 Ø  b2