D♯ melodic minor scale
The D♯ melodic minor scale (also known as D-sharp melodic minor or D♯m melodic) is a sophisticated variation of the D♯ natural minor scale. This scale is enharmonically equivalent to the E♭ melodic minor scale. It features raised sixth and seventh degrees when ascending (B♯ and C𝄪), creating a unique melodic character that has been essential in both classical composition and jazz improvisation.
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 reverts to the natural minor: 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 jazz theory and performance, the D♯ melodic minor scale is often used in both directions as the "jazz minor" scale. It's particularly effective over D♯m(maj7) chords and for creating altered dominant sounds. The scale has important relationships with both the D♯ harmonic minor and B major scales, providing rich possibilities for modal interchange and harmonic exploration. Its complex notation, while theoretically correct, is often simplified in practice by using its enharmonic equivalent, E♭ melodic minor.
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
- D♯m melodic scale, D-sharp minor melodic scale, D♯ jazz minor scale, D# melodic minor
- Enharmonic equivalents
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♯ major scale
2-2-1-2-2-2-1
D♯ natural minor scale
2-1-2-2-1-2-2