The Melodic Minor Scale

The Melodic Minor Scale is one of the three types of Minor Scales you'll encounter in the study of music theory   (Natural Minor, Harmonic Minor, & Melodic Minor).  Of the three minor scales,  the traditional application of this scale within popular music is RARE. . . .  it's not used that much, and when it is used, it seems to take the form of the "happy accident" (it's doubtful that Paul McCartney--composer of "Yesterday"--was  aware of the Melodic Minor Scale when used it in "Yesterday,"  he was a self-taught musician in his early twenties at the time the song was conceived). 

In order to understand how contemporary jazz, rock and fusion musicians make use of the Melodic Minor Scale, we must must first understand where it came from, answering the question:  How does the   Melodic Minor Scale work within traditional "Art" Music?  Only then, will we have a better understanding of the Melodic Minor Scale.

Tradtionally, the ascending Melodic Minor is like a Natural Minor Scale, but with major 6th and 7th intervals.   All upward moving melodies make use of this scale. 

The descending form of the Melodic Minor Scale is identicle to the Natural Minor Scale. . . with minor 6th and 7th intervals.   All downward moving melodies make use of this modified scale. 

Carol Of The Bells

It's easiest to learn any theoretical information by playing it in a song first. . . so that's what we'll do.   The following song, "Carol Of The Bells" makes traditional use of the Melodic Minor Scale.  Merry Christmas!

Carol Of The Bells

by Mykola Leontovich

arr. by Rod Goelz

Mykola Leontovich (1877-1921) the Russian composer,  is   best known for his arrangement of "Carol of the Bells." For several midi versions of the carol, visit
http://www.midiworld.com/cmc/xmas.html

 

 

Copyright 2000, Rodney M. Goelz