C melodic minor scale
The C melodic minor scale (also known as Cm melodic) is a fundamental variation of the C natural minor scale. As with all melodic minor scales, it features raised sixth and seventh degrees (A natural and B natural) in its ascending form, while the descending form returns to the natural minor scale. This scale is often considered one of the most important melodic minor scales due to its straightforward structure and its role in both classical and jazz music.
The ascending pattern follows: C to D (whole), D to E♭ (half), E♭ to F (whole), F to G (whole), G to A (whole), A to B (whole), and B to C (half). The descending form follows the natural minor scale: C to B♭ (whole), B♭ to A♭ (whole), A♭ to G (half), G to F (whole), F to E♭ (whole), E♭ to D (half), and D to C (whole).
In modern jazz theory, the C melodic minor scale is frequently used in both directions as the "jazz minor" scale, particularly over Cm(maj7) chords. It serves as a primary source for modal harmony and altered dominant sounds. The scale has important relationships with both the C harmonic minor and A♭ major scales. Its clear structure makes it an excellent starting point for understanding melodic minor scales in general, and its applications span across various musical genres, from baroque to contemporary jazz.
C 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
- Cm melodic scale, C minor melodic scale, C jazz minor scale
Related scales
Here are some scales that are related to the C melodic minor scale. Or browse all piano scales.
C harmonic minor scale
2-1-2-2-1-3-1
C Ionian scale
2-2-1-2-2-2-1
C major scale
2-2-1-2-2-2-1
C natural minor scale
2-1-2-2-1-2-2