Build the Melodic Minor Scale with Key Signature

The way it is done in class: first write the key signature, then the melodic minor scale, up and down (15 notes). Ascending, the 6th and 7th are raised (with a sharp or a natural, depending on the key signature) and descending those accidentals are undone.

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.

Up and down over the key signature

The melodic minor scale starts from the key signature of the natural minor. Ascending it raises the 6th and 7th (with a sharp or a natural, depending on the key signature) and descending it undoes those raises, returning to natural minor. It is one form of 15 notes that changes direction.

The cancelling naturals

Everything is written within a single measure (UK: bar), so when a note raised on the way up goes back to its natural state on the way down, you have to cancel the accidental with the matching natural (or flat) sign. In A melodic minor you go up with F♯ and G♯ and come down with G♮ and F♮.

Key	Key signature	Scale
A melodic minor	none	↑ A B C D E F♯ G♯ A · ↓ A G♮ F♮ E D C B A
D melodic minor	1♭ (B♭)	↑ D E F G A B♮ C♯ D · ↓ D C♮ B♭ A G F E D

Printable worksheet (PDF)

The same exercise on paper, for class: eight melodic minor 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. The melodic minor is written in full, ascending and descending.

It goes from easier to harder: first key signatures with few accidentals in treble clef, then more accidentals and the bass clef.

Printable PDF worksheet for writing melodic minor scales with a key signature — A4 sheet for writing melodic minor scales with a key signature.

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

Why are there naturals on the way down?

Because accidentals last through the measure. On the way down, the raised notes return to their natural pitch, and that is shown with a natural (or flat) sign that cancels the earlier accidental.

Are the raised 6th and 7th in the key signature?

No. The key signature is the one of the natural minor; the raises of the melodic minor are written as accidentals on the notes.

Why are there 15 notes?

Because the melodic minor is one form that goes up (8 notes) and comes down (7 more), sharing the top note.

How is it different from the harmonic minor scale?

The harmonic minor raises only the 7th and keeps the augmented second; the melodic minor raises the 6th and the 7th going up to smooth the ascent, and cancels them going down.

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.