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Music TheoryThe Melodic Minor Scale
The Melodic Minor Scale
Goal
Understand the most complex minor scale that changes as it goes up and down.
The "Split Personality" Scale
In classical music, the Melodic Minor scale is different depending on which way you are moving!
- •Going Up: Raise the 6th AND 7th notes.
- •Going Down: Play it like a Natural Minor (all white keys for A).
A Melodic Minor
**UP:** A - B - C - D - E - **F#** - **G#** - A.
**DOWN:** A - **G (natural)** - **F (natural)** - E - D - C - B - A.
It sounds bright going up and dark going down.
Quick Recap
Melodic Minor: Raised 6th & 7th going up.
Returns to Natural Minor going down.
Apply Your Knowledge
Practice what you just learned with these songs