Scale guide
E melodic minor
In one sentence: In the jazz form, E melodic minor keeps C# and D# ascending and descending.
RH ↑ blue numbersLH ↑ red numbers
Altered notes in the octave: E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D#.
Notes
| US notation | Degrees |
|---|---|
| E F# G A B C# D# | 1–2–♭3–4–5–6–7 |
E
F#
G
A
B
C# · 6
D# · 7
Fingering
| Hand / direction | 1 octave | 2 octaves |
|---|---|---|
| RH ascending | 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5 | 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5 |
| LH ascending | 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1 | 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1-4-3-2-1-3-2-1 |
| RH descending | 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1 | 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1-4-3-2-1-3-2-1 |
| LH descending | 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5 | 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5 |
Use
Hear D# pull toward E, and do not lower the 6th or 7th on the descent. Classical practice may do so; this pill practises the jazz form.
Musical context
In fusion and jazz-rock, melodic minor brings a tense, luminous color over a minor center.
Guided practice
- Play one octave with each hand, very slowly.
- Name the altered notes before every repetition.
- Join hands only when the crossings are silent.
- End each repetition on E and hear the resting point.
Common mistakes
- Losing an accidental when changing direction.
- Speeding up before the thumb crossing feels settled.
Checklist
- I keep the notes in the table in both directions.
- I follow the one- and two-octave fingerings.
- I can hear E as the scale’s center.