Scale guide
G melodic minor
In one sentence: In the jazz form, G melodic minor keeps E and F# in both directions.
RH ↑ blue numbersLH ↑ red numbers
Altered notes in the octave: G, A, Bb, C, D, E, F#.
Notes
| US notation | Degrees |
|---|---|
| G A Bb C D E F# | 1–2–♭3–4–5–6–7 |
G
→
A
→
Bb
→
C
→
D
→
E · 6
→
F# · 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
Practise the combined color of E natural and F# in both directions. The classical descent with Eb and F natural is context only, not the execution rule.
Musical context
In jazz and bossa nova, melodic minor can bring a distinct color without leaving the 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 G 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 G as the scale’s center.