D melodic minor scale
The D melodic minor scale (also known as Dm melodic) is a distinctive variation of the D natural minor scale. Like other melodic minor scales, it features raised sixth and seventh degrees (B natural and C♯) in its ascending form, while the descending form returns to the natural minor scale. This scale has been a cornerstone of classical composition and jazz improvisation, offering unique melodic possibilities.
The ascending pattern follows: D to E (whole), E to F (half), F to G (whole), G to A (whole), A to B (whole), B to C♯ (whole), and C♯ to D (half). The descending form follows the natural minor scale: D to C (whole), C to B♭ (whole), B♭ to A (half), A to G (whole), G to F (whole), F to E (half), and E to D (whole).
In contemporary jazz, the D melodic minor scale is frequently used in both directions as the "jazz minor" scale, particularly over Dm(maj7) chords. It provides essential material for modal harmony and is often used to generate altered dominant sounds. The scale has fascinating relationships with both the D harmonic minor and B♭ major scales. Its distinctive sound has been utilized in various musical contexts, from baroque compositions to modern jazz, making it a fundamental scale for understanding advanced harmony and melodic development.
D 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
- Dm melodic scale, D minor melodic scale, D jazz minor scale
Related scales
Here are some scales that are related to the D melodic minor scale. Or browse all piano scales.
D harmonic minor scale
2-1-2-2-1-3-1
D Ionian scale
2-2-1-2-2-2-1
D major scale
2-2-1-2-2-2-1
D natural minor scale
2-1-2-2-1-2-2