Degrees and intervals
| Degree | Note | Interval from the tonic | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D | root | Tonic |
| 2 | E | major second | Supertonic |
| ♭3 | F | minor third | Mediant |
| 4 | G | perfect fourth | Subdominant |
| 5 | A | perfect fifth | Dominant |
| 6 | B | major sixth | Submediant |
| 7 | C♯ | 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 D 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
- Dm(maj7)i(maj7)
- Em7ii7
- Fmaj7♯5III+maj7
- G7IV7
- A7V7
- Bm7♭5viø7
- C♯m7♭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 D melodic minor scale?
The D melodic minor scale has 7 notes: D – E – F – G – A – B – C♯. Its formula is T – S – T – T – T – T – S (T = whole tone, S = semitone).
How many sharps or flats does D melodic minor have?
It uses its key signature, which has 1 flat (B♭). B and C♯ are written as accidentals in the score.
What chords are in the D melodic minor scale?
With triads: Dm (i), Em (ii), Faug (III+), G (IV), A (V), Bdim (vi°), C♯dim (vii°).