Melodic minor

Definition

The melodic minor scale is a variation of the natural minor scale, characterized by a raised sixth and seventh degree when ascending, and typically reverts to the natural minor when descending. This unique structure allows for greater melodic flexibility and provides composers with more expressive options, especially in melodic lines and harmonic progressions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. When ascending, the melodic minor scale raises both the sixth and seventh degrees compared to the natural minor, which creates a smoother melodic contour.
2. Descending, the melodic minor typically follows the natural minor pattern, lowering the sixth and seventh degrees back to their original form.
3. The use of the melodic minor scale is common in classical music, especially during the Romantic period, where composers sought more emotional expressiveness.
4. In jazz and contemporary music, the melodic minor scale can be used to create altered chords and extended harmonies, making it a valuable tool for improvisation.
5. The melodic minor can be applied in various modes, such as the Dorian mode when starting from the second degree of the scale.

Review Questions

• Compare and contrast the melodic minor scale with the natural and harmonic minor scales in terms of their construction and usage.
  • The melodic minor scale differs from both the natural and harmonic minor scales primarily in its ascending form, where it raises the sixth and seventh degrees. In contrast, the natural minor scale maintains its sixth and seventh degrees at their lowered positions throughout. The harmonic minor scale only raises the seventh degree to create a leading tone. These differences make the melodic minor particularly useful for creating smooth melodies while providing harmonic tension when needed.
• Discuss how composers can utilize the melodic minor scale to enhance emotional expression in their music.
  • Composers can leverage the unique structure of the melodic minor scale to evoke different emotions by utilizing its raised sixth and seventh degrees when ascending. This can create a sense of longing or resolution in melodies. Additionally, by reverting to the natural minor when descending, composers can create contrasts that heighten emotional impact. Such techniques were especially prevalent during the Romantic period, where composers aimed to convey deep feelings through their music.
• Evaluate the importance of the melodic minor scale in jazz improvisation and its role in creating complex harmonic structures.
  • In jazz improvisation, the melodic minor scale serves as a powerful tool for musicians to explore complex harmonic structures and create altered chords. By utilizing its distinctive intervals, musicians can craft solos that incorporate chromaticism and tension, allowing for greater expressiveness. The ability to manipulate both ascending and descending forms of this scale offers jazz performers a versatile palette for improvisational creativity, enabling them to navigate sophisticated chord progressions while maintaining musical coherence.

Related terms

Natural Minor: The natural minor scale is a seven-note scale that follows the pattern of whole and half steps as W-H-W-W-H-W-W, providing a distinct sound that is darker than its major counterpart.

Harmonic Minor: The harmonic minor scale is similar to the natural minor but features a raised seventh degree, creating a leading tone that enhances harmonic movement towards the tonic.

Scale Degrees: Scale degrees are the individual notes in a scale, each assigned a number based on their position relative to the tonic; understanding scale degrees helps in analyzing and constructing melodies and harmonies.