Interactive piano keyboard showing E Melodic Minor scale degrees. Click highlighted keys to play.
E melodic minor (E, F♯, G, A, B, C♯, D♯) combines a minor 3rd (G) with a major 6th (C♯) and major 7th (D♯), creating the "jazz minor" scale. It is used in jazz and fusion over Em(maj7) chords and as the parent of the E altered scale. E melodic minor has a sophisticated, modern character that guitarists explore in jazz contexts.
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.
The diatonic chords in E Melodic Minor are: Em, F#m, Gaug, A, B, C#dim, D#dim. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Melodic Minor?
E melodic minor (E, F♯, G, A, B, C♯, D♯) combines a minor 3rd (G) with a major 6th (C♯) and major 7th (D♯), creating the "jazz minor" scale. It is used in jazz and fusion over Em(maj7) chords and as the parent of the E altered scale. E melodic minor has a sophisticated, modern character that guitarists explore in jazz contexts.
What notes are in the E Melodic Minor?
The E Melodic Minor contains the notes: E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D#. This is a 7-note scale starting from E.
How many chords does the E Melodic Minor have?
The E Melodic Minor produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Em, F#m, Gaug, A, B, C#dim, D#dim.
What is the formula for the Melodic Minor?
The Melodic Minor follows the interval formula: W-H-W-W-W-W-H (W = whole step, H = half step).
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Position in circle of fifths
E is at the 4 o'clock position. Related keys: B (dominant), A (subdominant), C# (relative minor), F# (supertonic), D (subtonic).