Box 1
Position 1 (6th-string root)
Frets 10–13
When to use it: Root on the 6th string. Learn this one first — matching the root to a fret is all it takes to move the shape to any key.
Melodic Minor
D Melodic Minor Scale
Jazz minor. Minor 3rd with a major 6th and 7th on top.
- Notes
- D E F G A B C♯
- Formula
- 1 · 2 · ♭3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7
- Sound
- modern, unsettled-bright
- Guitar positions
- 2
The patterns on guitar
2 fretboard positions in standard tuning, low string on the left. Every dot is a note of the scale and the number inside it is the scale degree, so you can see the shape and the theory at once.
root notescale notenumbers inside the dots are scale degrees
Box 2
Position 2 (5th-string root)
Frets 5–8
When to use it: Root on the 5th string. Use it when the tonic is easier to find on the A string, or when you want the scale to sit higher.
The notes
7 notes, built off D with the formula 1 · 2 · ♭3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7. Melodic minor smooths out the awkward leap harmonic minor creates by also raising the 6th. In jazz it is used ascending and descending, and it is the parent of the altered scale.
Tap any note to hear it on its own.
Chords built from this scale
Stack every other note of the scale and you get its seven diatonic chords. These are the chords that sound at home over this scale — a progression made only of these will never leave the key.
| Degree | Chord | Notes | Seventh | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| i | Dm | D F A | Dm(maj7) | tonic — everything resolves here |
| ii | Em | E G B | Em7 | supertonic — pre-dominant — the usual step toward the dominant |
| III+ | Faug | F A C♯ | Fmaj7♯5 | mediant — the raised-7th chord; restless, rarely sat on |
| IV | G | G B D | G7 | subdominant — the lift away from home |
| V | A | A C♯ E | A7 | dominant — wants to resolve home |
| vi° | Bdim | B D F | Bm7♭5 | submediant — unstable |
| vii° | C♯dim | C♯ E G | C♯m7♭5 | leading tone — a half step below home, maximum tension |
Common questions
What notes are in the D Melodic Minor Scale?
The D melodic minor scale has 7 notes: D, E, F, G, A, B, C#. The interval formula is 1–2–♭3–4–5–6–7, counted up from D.
What chords are in the D Melodic Minor Scale?
The D melodic minor scale builds seven diatonic chords: i Dm, ii Em, III+ Faug, IV G, V A, vi° Bdim, vii° C#dim.
Where do I start on guitar?
Start with Position 1 (6th-string root) at fret 10. Root on the 6th string. Learn this one first — matching the root to a fret is all it takes to move the shape to any key.
Learn the theory behind it
The patterns above get your fingers moving. These explain what the notes are actually doing, so you can use the scale instead of just running it.