Music Fundamentals A Balanced Approach

The melodicform also has the same key signature as the natural and harmonic forms; unlike the other two forms,
the ascendingmelodic scale is different from the descendingscale. In the harmonic form, the raised seventh
note makes it difficult to sing or perform the larger 1^1 ⁄ 2 steps between the sixth and seventh notes. To facilitate
singing or playing a melody,the melodic form was developed—hence the name of this form. When ascending,
both the sixth and seventh notes are raised a half step, so half steps are now between 2 and 3 and 7 and 8.

Note that the key signaturedoes not reflect the raised sixth and seventh notes.
In the descendingform of the melodic minor, the sixth and seventh notes that had been raised are now
lowered a half step, which returns the scale to the natural form.

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MINOR SCALE

Elements of the HARMONIC MINOR

• Consists of 8 diatonic notes.


• From the natural minor scale (using the key signature) raise the seventh note a half stepkeeping the letter name the same.
  Do notchange the key signature.


• Arrangement of whole and half steps: W H W W H 1^1 ⁄ 2 H.

1 2 3 4 5 8

HS HS

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W H W W W W H

Key signature (no sharps or flats) Raised sixth and seventh

W W H W W H W

Raised sixth and seventh Lowered sixth and seventh

Ascending Descending