This lesson on music theory focuses on the D sharp melodic minor scale, which is a diatonic scale that starts and ends on a D#. The purpose of creating melodic minor scales was to assist with melodies. The ascending melodic minor scale is identical to a major scale, except for having a flat third, while the descending melodic minor scale has the same pitches as a natural minor scale.
Contents
NOTES ON THE D# MELODIC MINOR SCALE
The D# melodic Minor Scale notes ascending are: D#, E#, F#, G#, A#, B#, Cx
The scale notes of the D# melodic minor descending are: D#, C#, B, A#, G#, F#, E#
D# MELODIC MINOR INTERVALS
The melodic minor scale differs from the natural minor scale by raising the 6th and 7th degrees by a semitone (half step) when ascending. When descending, it follows the same pattern as the natural minor scale. This alteration changes the minor 2nd interval between the 5th and 6th notes to a major 2nd interval. Additionally, there is another major 2nd interval between the 6th and 7th notes.
A major 2nd is equivalent to a whole step or tone, such as the distance between E and F# or F# and G#. The provided example showcases one octave of the D sharp melodic minor scale with labeled intervals. It’s important to note that these intervals remain consistent across all ascending melodic minor scales.
The descending melodic minor scale has the same intervals as a natural minor scale, which are displayed below.
THE MELODIC MINOR SCALE FOMULAR
The melodic minor scale formula is based on the natural minor scale but rather than being the same notes both ascending and descending they are different.
- On the way up we have a sharpened 6th and 7th degree
- On the way down these are lowered so the scale becomes it’s natural formula.
HOW TO PLAY THE D# MELODIC MINOR SCALE
On piano
To play both the ascending version of the melodic minor scale, you can refer to the diagram below. The fingerings are labeled beneath the scale.
To play the D# melodic minor scale in desending, you can refer to the diagram provided below.
On guitar
The melodic minor scale can be played in various positions on the guitar.
THE KEY SIGNATURE OF THE D# MELODIC MINOR
The melodic minor scale is commonly found in compositions that are in a minor key. As a result, if we use the D sharp melodic minor scale, our piece will be in the key of D# (natural) minor. D sharp minor is the relative minor of the F sharp major scale, and both scales have a key signature of six sharps.
D# MELODIC MINOR ON CLEFS
Below is the D# Melodic Minor Scale written in the treble clef, bass clef, alto clef and tenor clef including both ascending and descending.
Treble Clef
Bass Clef
Alto Clef
Tenor Clef
CHORDS IN D SHARP MELODIC MINOR SCALE
It is possible to create chords using the notes of the D sharp melodic minor scale. To explore this concept further, please refer to our article on D melodic minor chords. The image below illustrates the chords present on each note of the ascending scale.
THE JAZZ D SHARP MELODIC MINOR SCALE
The jazz melodic minor scale is distinct from the standard melodic minor scale. As we have observed in classical music, the ascending melodic minor scale varies from the descending melodic minor scale. However, in jazz, both versions are identical, and both the 6th and 7th degrees are raised. Essentially, the jazz melodic minor scale corresponds to the ascending version of the classical music melodic minor scale.
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