Melodic Minor Piano Scales

The melodic minor scale is unique in that it traditionally differs between its ascending and descending forms. When ascending, it raises both the sixth and seventh degrees of the natural minor scale, following the pattern: whole, half, whole, whole, whole, whole, half (W-H-W-W-W-W-H), or 2-1-2-2-2-2-1 in semitones. In classical practice, the descending form reverts to the natural minor scale. However, in jazz and contemporary music, the ascending form is used in both directions. This scale provides smoother melodic movement than the harmonic minor by eliminating the augmented second interval, making it particularly effective for melodic lines and modern jazz improvisation.