![all melodic minor scales all melodic minor scales](https://i.stack.imgur.com/fwpUI.jpg)
Since I’m writing this at Christmas time, it seems like a fitting example. (more recently popularized by the Trans Siberian Orchestra) Probably my favorite classical example… and one just about everyone should be familiar with, is Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker excerpt. Bergstrom taught it to me waaaaay back in 1987! Examples of Melodic Minor in Classical Music That’s exactly how my high-School Music Theory teacher Mrs. In classical music well into the 20th century Melodic minor ascending raised the 6th and 7th degrees like this:ĭescending we would lower those notes back to the natural minor: Starting on the 6th degree (A) We’ll build our Natural minor (or Aeolian mode): Let’s start with our Parent Major Key, in this case, C: Melodic Minor historically was always taught as different ascending than descending. Today I was working with Melodic minor backing tracks and it gave me the idea for this article.
![all melodic minor scales all melodic minor scales](https://bloghocpiano.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/c-sharp-melodic-minor-scale.gif)
During weeks when I have a busy gig schedule, I’ve found that often times an hour or so with some backing tracks is as good a practice as a more technical routine, without taxing my hands too much for the night’s gig. I was warming up for my gig on a chilly Wednesday afternoon and was jamming along with some backing tracks on YouTube. What is the big deal? Why is this scale so misunderstood (and avoided) outside of Jazz? If you’re a rock, metal, blues or country player you probably avoid this scale like the plague. unless you’re a Jazz or Classical player that is. Oh scary isn’t it! The red-headed stepchild of minor scales.