The Harmonized Melodic Minor Scale

Published June 18, 2023 | By Brian Turner

The chords created by harmonizing the melodic minor scale differ slightly depending on whether you are ascending or descending. In this response, I’ll provide the chords for both the ascending and descending versions of the melodic minor scale.

Ascending Melodic Minor Scale (A-B-C-D-E-F#-G#):

Starting with A, we add a third above (C) and another third above that (E), resulting in the A minor chord (A-C-E).
Moving to B, we get the B minor chord (B-D-F#).
For C, we have the C augmented chord (C-E-G#).
D provides the D major chord (D-F#-A).
E gives us the E major chord (E-G#-B).
F# offers the F# diminished chord (F#-A-C).
Finally, G# produces the G# diminished chord (G#-B-D).

Descending Melodic Minor Scale (A-G-F-E-D-C-B):

When descending, the melodic minor scale typically uses the natural minor scale, also known as the Aeolian mode. Therefore, the chords created by harmonizing the descending melodic minor scale are the same as the harmonized natural minor scale. Using the A natural minor scale as an example, the chords would be:

A minor (A-C-E)
B diminished (B-D-F)
C major (C-E-G)
D minor (D-F-A)
E minor (E-G-B)
F major (F-A-C)
G major (G-B-D)

These are the chords derived from harmonizing the ascending and descending versions of the melodic minor scale. They provide a harmonic foundation for compositions and can be used to create chord progressions within the context of the melodic minor tonality.

Posted in Guitar talk