The F Melodic Minor Scale Theory

In this music theory lesson we will look at the F melodic minor scale. The F melodic Minor scale is a diatonic scale starting and ending on a F. Melodic Minor scales were created mainly to help with melodies. The melodic minor scale ascending is the same as a major scale except it has a flat third and the melodic minor descending has the same pitches as a natural minor scale.

Contents

NOTES ON THE F MELODIC MINOR SCALE
F MELODIC MINOR INTERVALS
THE MELODIC MINOR SCALE FOMULAR
HOW TO PLAY THE F MELODIC MINOR SCALE
- On piano
- On guitar
THE KEY SIGNATURE OF THE F MELODIC MINOR
F MELODIC MINOR ON CLEFS

NOTES ON THE F MELODIC MINOR SCALE

The F melodic Minor Scale notes ascending are: F, G, Ab, Bb, C, D, E

The scale notes of the F melodic minor descending are: F Eb Db C Bb Ab G F

F MELODIC MINOR INTERVALS

The melodic minor scale is very similar to the natural minor scale, but with a raised 6th and 7th note by a semitone (half step) on the way up. However, on the way down, it is exactly the same as the natural minor scale. This change in intervals results in a minor 2nd interval between the 5th and 6th notes becoming a major 2nd interval. We then have another major 2nd interval between the 6th and 7th notes. A major 2nd is equivalent to a tone or a whole step. For instance, C-D is a whole step, and D-E is also a whole step. Below, you can find an octave of the F melodic Minor scale with labelled intervals. It is important to note that these intervals will remain the same for 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 F 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 F 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 F MELODIC MINOR

The melodic minor scale is commonly used in pieces that are in a minor key. This implies that if we play the F melodic minor scale, our piece will be in the F (natural) minor key. It is noteworthy that F minor is the relative minor of the Ab major scale, and both scales have a key signature of one flat.