Scale guide
F melodic minor
In one sentence: In the jazz form, F melodic minor combines Ab and Bb with D and E natural, also on the descent.
RH ↑ blue numbersLH ↑ red numbers
Altered notes in the octave: F, G, Ab, Bb, C, D, E.
Notes
| US notation | Degrees |
|---|---|
| F G Ab Bb C D E | 1–2–♭3–4–5–6–7 |
F
G
Ab
Bb
C
D · 6
E · 7
Fingering
| Hand / direction | 1 octave | 2 octaves |
|---|---|---|
| RH ascending | 1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4 | 1-2-3-4-1-2-3-1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4 |
| 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 | 4-3-2-1-4-3-2-1 | 4-3-2-1-4-3-2-1-3-2-1-4-3-2-1 |
| 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
The right hand uses F major’s pattern here: do not force a crossing after Ab. Classical practice descends with Db and Eb; the jazz form keeps D and E natural.
Musical context
In jazz ballads, melodic minor contrasts the minor center with a major 6th and 7th.
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 F 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 F as the scale’s center.