Degrees and intervals
| Degree | Note | Interval from the tonic | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | root | Tonic |
| 2 | D | major second | Supertonic |
| ♭3 | E♭ | minor third | Mediant |
| 4 | F | perfect fourth | Subdominant |
| 5 | G | perfect fifth | Dominant |
| 6 | A | major sixth | Submediant |
| 7 | B | major seventh | Leading tone |
From one note to the next, the scale moves like this: T – S – T – T – T – T – S (T = whole step, S = half step). That pattern is the same in every key: once you learn it, you can build the melodic minor scale from any note.
Chords in the C melodic minor scale
Stacking thirds on each degree gives you these chords. They're the ones you'll find most often in songs in this key.
Triads
Seventh chords
- Cm(maj7)i(maj7)
- Dm7ii7
- E♭maj7♯5III+maj7
- F7IV7
- G7V7
- Am7♭5viø7
- Bm7♭5viiø7
How to practice this scale
- Play it slowly with a metronome, one note per beat, and only speed up once it sounds even.
- Sing the note names while you play it: that way you train your ear and your memory at the same time.
- On piano, use the fingering from your teacher or a method book: in most scales the thumb passes under after the third finger.
- Also practice the scale's triads (the chords below) to understand how the harmony of songs is built.
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of the C melodic minor scale?
The C melodic minor scale has 7 notes: C – D – E♭ – F – G – A – B. Its formula is T – S – T – T – T – T – S (T = whole step, S = half step).
How many sharps or flats does C melodic minor have?
It uses its key's signature, which has 3 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭). A and B are written as accidentals in the score.
What chords are in the C melodic minor scale?
With triads: Cm (i), Dm (ii), E♭aug (III+), F (IV), G (V), Adim (vi°), Bdim (vii°).