E♭ melodic minor scale
The E♭ melodic minor scale (also known as Eb melodic minor or E♭m melodic) is a sophisticated variation of the E♭ natural minor scale. This scale is enharmonically equivalent to the D♯ melodic minor scale. It features raised sixth and seventh degrees (C natural and D natural) in its ascending form, while the descending form returns to the natural minor, creating a rich harmonic palette used extensively in both classical and jazz music.
The ascending pattern follows: E♭ to F (whole), F to G♭ (half), G♭ to A♭ (whole), A♭ to B♭ (whole), B♭ to C (whole), C to D (whole), and D to E♭ (half). The descending form reverts to the natural minor: E♭ to D♭ (whole), D♭ to C♭ (whole), C♭ to B♭ (half), B♭ to A♭ (whole), A♭ to G♭ (whole), G♭ to F (half), and F to E♭ (whole).
In modern jazz applications, the E♭ melodic minor scale is frequently used in both directions as the "jazz minor" scale, particularly over E♭m(maj7) chords. It serves as a fundamental source for modal harmony and altered dominant sounds. The scale shares important relationships with both the E♭ harmonic minor and C minor scales, offering musicians a rich palette for melodic and harmonic exploration. Its practical notation makes it a preferred choice over its enharmonic equivalent (D♯ melodic minor) in many musical contexts.
E♭ 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
- E♭m melodic scale, Eb melodic minor scale, E♭ jazz minor scale, Eb minor melodic scale
- Enharmonic equivalents
Related scales
Here are some scales that are related to the E♭ melodic minor scale. Or browse all piano scales.
E♭ harmonic minor scale
2-1-2-2-1-3-1
E♭ major scale
2-2-1-2-2-2-1
E♭ natural minor scale
2-1-2-2-1-2-2