Melodic Minor: guitar scale formula, degrees and fretboard patterns

Scale formula

Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 6 7. Classification: functional-tonal.

Description

Detailed explanation Melodic (jazz) minor is a minor scale with a natural 6th and 7th at once — the parent of many important jazz modes. The characteristic sound The b3 says 'minor' while the natural 6th and 7th pull upward like a major. Hence the tense, beautiful, 'Bond theme' sound. Tonic and function The tonic is m(maj7) — stable but uneasy. It's the source of the altered scale, the Lydian dominant and other modes. Chords and use i m(maj7) is the center. This scale gives the 7alt (7th mode) and the Lydian dominant (4th). The basis of modern jazz and film music. Essence A minor with a major top. The parent scale for altered dominants and the Lydian dominant.

Degree functions

• I — Minor tonic: Degree I establishes the minor center with a directed upper contour.
• II — Upper extension: Degree II expands the minor chord and supports upward motion.
• bIII — Minor identity: Degree bIII preserves the minor quality.
• IV — Linear support: Degree IV participates in the smooth linear structure of the scale.
• V — Structural support: Degree V remains a stable support.
• VI — Melodic-minor color: Degree VI is one of the key distinguishing tones of the scale.
• VII — Leading tone: Degree VII creates direction to I and increases the focus of the scale.

Use cases

• modern minor tonic
• jazz minor language
• mMaj7 and m6 harmony
• source scale for derived modes
• guitar modern modal practice

Typical progressions

• iMaj7 pedal vamp
• iiø–V7alt–iMaj7
• i–IV–V with melodic-minor top line
• i6–iiø–V7–i