key term - Melodic Minor

Definition

The melodic minor scale is a specific type of minor scale that features a unique ascending and descending structure, altering the sixth and seventh degrees when ascending but reverting to the natural minor form when descending. This scale is significant because it provides composers and musicians with varied melodic options, creating a distinctive sound that contrasts with the natural and harmonic minors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the ascending melodic minor scale, the sixth and seventh degrees are raised by a half step compared to the natural minor scale, creating a unique intervallic structure.
2. When descending, the melodic minor scale typically reverts back to the natural minor form, lowering the sixth and seventh degrees back to their original pitches.
3. The melodic minor scale is often used in jazz and classical music to create smooth, flowing melodies with distinct tonal qualities.
4. The formula for constructing the ascending melodic minor is: whole, half, whole, whole, whole, whole, half.
5. Due to its dual nature, melodic minor can serve different harmonic functions depending on whether it's used in ascending or descending contexts.

Review Questions

• Compare and contrast the melodic minor scale with the natural and harmonic minor scales in terms of structure and usage.
  • The melodic minor scale differs from both the natural and harmonic minor scales primarily in its treatment of the sixth and seventh degrees. While the natural minor maintains these degrees as flat notes, the melodic minor raises them when ascending to create a more fluid sound. Conversely, in descending motion, it adopts the natural minor form. The harmonic minor raises only the seventh degree, providing a leading tone for resolution but does not change the sixth. These variations affect how each scale is used in compositions, with melodic minor often lending itself to smoother melodies in various genres.
• Discuss how the changes in scale degrees between ascending and descending forms of the melodic minor influence musical composition.
  • The distinct treatment of scale degrees in ascending versus descending forms of the melodic minor allows for creative expression in composition. The raised sixth and seventh degrees when ascending provide composers with opportunities for rich melodic lines that can lead smoothly into harmonies. In contrast, reverting to the natural form when descending introduces a more grounded feel. This interplay between tension and resolution can enhance emotional depth in music, making it essential for composers to understand how to utilize these changes effectively.
• Evaluate the role of the melodic minor scale within jazz music compared to classical music contexts.
  • In jazz music, the melodic minor scale plays a critical role as it offers improvisers additional notes to create tension and color in their solos. Musicians often use this scale to approach altered chords or create modal interchange. In classical music, however, while it also provides richness in melody and harmonic complexity, it is frequently utilized within established compositional forms and structures. The flexibility of melodic minor allows both genres to explore unique sonic landscapes but highlights different aesthetic priorities reflective of their respective styles.

Related terms

Natural Minor:

The natural minor scale is the most basic form of minor scale, consisting of a specific pattern of whole and half steps without alterations to any of its notes.

Harmonic Minor:

The harmonic minor scale raises the seventh degree of the natural minor scale, creating a leading tone that enhances the resolution to the tonic.

Scale Degrees:

Scale degrees refer to the individual notes in a scale, each assigned a number that indicates its position relative to the tonic.