A♭ melodic minor scale
The A♭ melodic minor scale (also known as Ab melodic minor or A♭m melodic) is a distinctive variation of the A♭ natural minor scale. This scale is enharmonically equivalent to the G♯ melodic minor scale. Following the melodic minor pattern, it features raised sixth and seventh degrees (F natural and G natural) in its ascending form, while returning to the natural minor form when descending.
The ascending pattern of the A♭ melodic minor follows: A♭ to B♭ (whole), B♭ to C♭ (half), C♭ to D♭ (whole), D♭ to E♭ (whole), E♭ to F (whole), F to G (whole), and G to A♭ (half). The descending form follows the natural minor scale: A♭ to G♭ (whole), G♭ to F♭ (whole), F♭ to E♭ (half), E♭ to D♭ (whole), D♭ to C♭ (whole), C♭ to B♭ (half), and B♭ to A♭ (whole).
In contemporary jazz applications, the A♭ melodic minor scale is commonly used in both directions as the "jazz minor" scale, particularly over A♭m(maj7) chords. It provides a rich source for modal harmony and is often used to generate altered dominant sounds. The scale has fascinating relationships with both the A♭ harmonic minor and F minor scales, offering composers and improvisers a wealth of melodic and harmonic possibilities. Its unique intervallic structure makes it particularly effective in creating sophisticated jazz harmonies and melodic lines.
A♭ melodic minor scale details
Information and technical details of the scale.
- Category
- western
- Type
- Heptatonic (7 notes per octave)
- Intervals
- 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 7 1
- Formula
- 2-1-2-2-2-2-1
- Also known as
- A♭m melodic scale, Ab melodic minor scale, A♭ jazz minor scale, Ab minor melodic scale
Related scales
Here are some scales that are related to the A♭ melodic minor scale. Or browse all piano scales.
A♭ harmonic minor scale
2-1-2-2-1-3-1
A♭ major scale
2-2-1-2-2-2-1
A♭ natural minor scale
2-1-2-2-1-2-2