Degrees and intervals
| Degree | Note | Interval from the tonic | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | B♭ | root | Tonic |
| 2 | C | major second | Supertonic |
| ♭3 | D♭ | minor third | Mediant |
| 4 | E♭ | perfect fourth | Subdominant |
| 5 | F | perfect fifth | Dominant |
| 6 | G | major sixth | Submediant |
| 7 | A | 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 B♭ 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
- B♭m(maj7)i(maj7)
- Cm7ii7
- D♭maj7♯5III+maj7
- E♭7IV7
- F7V7
- Gm7♭5viø7
- Am7♭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 B♭ melodic minor scale?
The B♭ melodic minor scale has 7 notes: B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭ – F – G – A. Its formula is T – S – T – T – T – T – S (T = tone, S = semitone).
How many sharps or flats does B♭ melodic minor have?
It is written with a key signature of 5 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭). G and A are written as accidentals in the score.
What chords are in the B♭ melodic minor scale?
With triads: B♭m (i), Cm (ii), D♭aug (III+), E♭ (IV), F (V), Gdim (vi°), Adim (vii°).