Melodic Minor Scale

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The melodic minor scale itself outlines a minor-major seventh chord and is therefore used over that type of chord:

[EXAMPLE]

It also outlines a minor sixth chord and can used in those situations as well:

[EXAMPLE]

Many musicians use this scale over any minor chord, even minor seventh chords. The major seventh in the melodic minor scale would appear to be dissonant over a minor seventh chord, but the scale is strong melodically due to the leading tone, and therefore it seems to work well:

[EXAMPLE]

Copyright 2000 Outside Shore Music
Authored by Marc Sabatella

Melodic Minor Scale