Degrees and intervals
| Degree | Note | Interval from the tonic | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | F | root | Tonic |
| 2 | G | major second | Supertonic |
| ♭3 | A♭ | minor third | Mediant |
| 4 | B♭ | perfect fourth | Subdominant |
| 5 | C | perfect fifth | Dominant |
| 6 | D | major sixth | Submediant |
| 7 | E | 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 F 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
- Fm(maj7)i(maj7)
- Gm7ii7
- A♭maj7♯5III+maj7
- B♭7IV7
- C7V7
- Dm7♭5viø7
- Em7♭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 F melodic minor scale?
The F melodic minor scale has 7 notes: F – G – A♭ – B♭ – C – D – E. Its formula is T – S – T – T – T – T – S (T = whole tone, S = semitone).
How many sharps or flats does F melodic minor have?
It uses its key signature, which has 4 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭). D and E are written as accidentals in the score.
What chords are in the F melodic minor scale?
With triads: Fm (i), Gm (ii), A♭aug (III+), B♭ (IV), C (V), Ddim (vi°), Edim (vii°).