The melodic major scale (in Spanish-language theory, the escala mayor mixta secundaria) uses the key signature of the major scale on its tonic. First write that key signature, then the scale, marking with accidentals the degrees borrowed from the minor.
How to use the exercise: Step 1 (key signature): choose Sharp or Flat and click on the staff to place each accidental of the key signature in its order. Step 2 (scale): with the key signature in place, put in the notes of the scale. They inherit the key signature automatically; press ♮ / ♯ / ♭ only when a note needs an accidental of its own. Undo and Clear work in each step. The magnifier shows what you are about to place.
The melodic major scale lowers the 6th and the 7th
The melodic major scale is written with the key signature of the major scale on its tonic, with the 6th and 7th degrees lowered by a half step, both borrowed from the minor. These lowered degrees are not in the key signature: they are written as accidentals.
Two lowered degrees
In C melodic major, with no key signature, the 6th (A♭) and the 7th (B♭) are lowered. In G melodic major, with the key signature of G major (F♯), the 6th is lowered to E♭ and the 7th (F♯) to F♮. The result sounds like the Mixolydian scale with its 6th also lowered.
| Key | Key signature | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| C melodic major | none | C D E F G A♭ B♭ C |
| G melodic major | 1♯ (F♯) | G A B C D E♭ F♮ G |
| F melodic major | 1♭ (B♭) | F G A B♭ C D♭ E♭ F |
Printable worksheet (PDF)
The same exercise on paper, for class: eight melodic major scales to write with a key signature: first the key signature, then the scale, with only the accidentals that depart from it. With a separate answer sheet, with the answers in red.
It goes from easier to harder: first key signatures with few accidentals in treble clef, then more accidentals and the bass clef.
Download the worksheet (PDF A4) Answers
You may print and photocopy the worksheets freely for the classroom. There are also worksheets of this same type for identifying and writing, and in the scales index you can create custom worksheets, mixing whichever types you like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Practice these scales with the online metronome and check your tuning with the online tuner. You can also try the version with the accidentals written note by note.