Chords in C Melodic Minor Scale

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The melodic minor scale is a cornerstone of jazz improvisation, generating several essential modes including the altered scale and lydian dominant. Its unique interval structure produces uncommon chord qualities not found in other scales. Jazz musicians use it over ii–V–I progressions and altered dominant chords.

Transpose to any key, progressions & circle of fifths

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Formula

W-H-W-W-W-W-H

Semitones: 2-1-2-2-2-2-1

Key Signature

1 flat

Explore

Melodic Minor Scale in the glossary Key Explorer tool Browse all C chords Chord Flashcards Ear Training Metronome

Characteristic Sound

Raising both the 6th and 7th of natural minor creates a hybrid scale — minor in quality (flat 3rd) but with major-scale brightness above the 5th. This duality makes it a jazz essential, generating the altered and lydian dominant modes used over ii–V–I progressions.

Key intervals:6th7th

Mode Family

Harmonic & Melodic Minor

Variants of the minor scale with raised degrees for distinct harmonic colors.

Harmonic Minor Scale
Melodic Minor Scale

Notes:

CDEbFGAB

Scales with similar note sets — useful for exploring substitutions and modal interchange.

♮3 substitutionMajor Scale (Ionian)1 note differentHarmonic Minor Scale 1 note differentDorian Mode ♮6 & ♯7Natural Minor Scale (Aeolian)2 notes differentLydian Mode

Chromatic Mediant Relationships

Chords a third away from the root — not diatonic to this scale. Common in film scoring and jazz.

M3 ↑

EE Em

M3 ↓

AbAb Abm

Melodic Minor Scale scale FAQ

What chords are in C Melodic Minor Scale?

The diatonic chords in C Melodic Minor Scale are: Cm, Dm, Ebaug, F, G, Adim, Bdim. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.

What is the Melodic Minor Scale?

The melodic minor scale raises both the 6th and 7th degrees of natural minor ascending. In jazz, it is used in both directions and is the parent scale for several important modes including the altered and lydian dominant scales.

What notes are in the C Melodic Minor Scale?

The C Melodic Minor Scale contains the notes: C, D, Eb, F, G, A, B. This is a 7-note scale starting from C.

How many chords does the C Melodic Minor Scale have?

The C Melodic Minor Scale produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Cm, Dm, Ebaug, F, G, Adim, Bdim.

What is the formula for the Melodic Minor Scale?

The Melodic Minor Scale follows the interval formula: W-H-W-W-W-W-H (W = whole step, H = half step).