The Complete Guide to Playing A Melodic Minor Scale on Guitar

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 7 min read

Learning a melodic minor scale on guitar can be a game-changer for your playing abilities. In this complete guide, we'll explore what a melodic minor scale is, its differences from the natural minor scale, and how to play it effectively on the guitar. With some practice and dedication, mastering a melodic minor scale guitar will enhance your skills and expand your musical horizons.

Understanding the Melodic Minor Scale

Before diving into the world of a melodic minor scale guitar, it's essential to understand the basics of this unique scale and how it differs from its counterpart, the natural minor scale. Let's start by defining the melodic minor scale and its formula.

What is a Melodic Minor Scale?

A melodic minor scale is a musical scale that consists of seven notes. It is derived from the natural minor scale but features a raised sixth and seventh note when ascending. When descending, the melodic minor scale reverts to the natural minor scale. This gives the scale a distinct melodic quality that's perfect for creating tension and interest in your playing.

Difference Between Natural Minor and Melodic Minor

Here are the main differences between the natural minor and melodic minor scales:

Natural minor scale: Has a flat third, sixth, and seventh note compared to the major scale.
Melodic minor scale: Has a flat third note like the natural minor scale, but the sixth and seventh notes are raised when ascending the scale. When descending, it becomes the same as the natural minor scale.

This difference in structure results in a unique sound, making the melodic minor scale an excellent choice for adding variety to your guitar playing.

Melodic Minor Scale Formula

To build a melodic minor scale, you can use the following formula:

Root
Major 2nd
Minor 3rd
Perfect 4th
Perfect 5th
Major 6th (ascending)
Major 7th (ascending)
Minor 6th (descending)
Minor 7th (descending)

With this formula in mind, you're ready to start exploring a melodic minor scale guitar, including fingering and positioning techniques to make your playing smooth and effortless.

Fingering and Positioning

Now that you have a basic understanding of the melodic minor scale, let's move on to learn different fingering and positioning techniques. These will help you play a melodic minor scale guitar with ease and accuracy, allowing you to unlock its full potential in your playing.

Basic Fingerings

Start with these basic fingerings for a melodic minor scale guitar:

Play the root note with your index finger.
Use your middle finger for the major 2nd note.
Play the minor 3rd with your ring finger.
Use your index finger for the perfect 4th note.
Play the perfect 5th with your ring finger.
Use your index finger for the major 6th (ascending) or minor 6th (descending) note.
Play the major 7th (ascending) or minor 7th (descending) with your pinky finger.

Practicing these basic fingerings will help you gain muscle memory and make playing a melodic minor scale guitar feel more natural.

Alternate Fingerings

As you become more comfortable with the basic fingerings, experiment with alternate fingerings to find what works best for you. Some guitarists prefer using their pinky for the major 6th and 7th notes when ascending, while others might use their middle finger for the minor 6th and 7th notes when descending. Try different combinations and see what feels most comfortable for you.

Position Shifting

Position shifting is essential for playing a melodic minor scale guitar across the entire fretboard. Start by practicing the scale in one position, then gradually shift to different positions to cover more frets. This will help you become more versatile in your playing and allow you to play a melodic minor scale guitar in any key or location on the fretboard.

With these fingering and positioning techniques under your belt, you're ready to start practicing the melodic minor scale and incorporating it into your playing.

Practicing the Melodic Minor Scale

Once you have a good grasp of fingering and positioning, it's time to practice playing a melodic minor scale guitar. Consistent practice is essential to mastering this versatile scale. Here are some tips and exercises to help you get started.

Warm-Up Exercises

Before diving into practicing the melodic minor scale, it's important to warm up your fingers and hands. Here are some warm-up exercises you can try:

Perform finger stretches to increase flexibility.
Play chromatic runs using all four fingers on each fret.
Practice basic major and minor scales to build finger strength and coordination.

Warming up will help prevent injury and improve your overall playing technique, making it easier to play a melodic minor scale guitar.

Scale Patterns

Practicing different scale patterns is an effective way to master a melodic minor scale guitar. Here are a few patterns to try:

Play the scale ascending and descending in one position.
Practice the scale in different octaves and positions on the fretboard.
Play the scale using sequences, such as thirds, fourths, or sixths.

Experimenting with various scale patterns will help you become more familiar with the melodic minor scale and improve your overall playing technique.

Metronome Practice

Using a metronome while practicing a melodic minor scale guitar is crucial for developing good timing and rhythm. Start by setting the metronome to a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable with the scale. This will help you build speed and accuracy in your playing.

By practicing the melodic minor scale consistently and incorporating these exercises into your routine, you'll be well on your way to mastering this versatile scale and elevating your guitar playing to new heights.

Applying the Melodic Minor Scale

Once you've practiced and become comfortable with playing a melodic minor scale guitar, it's time to apply it in various musical contexts. This section will help you incorporate the melodic minor scale into your playing, enhancing your guitar skills and creativity.

Chord Progressions

Applying the melodic minor scale to chord progressions is an excellent way to develop your understanding of harmony. Try experimenting with the following:

Use the scale to create new chord progressions by harmonizing each note of the scale with different chords.
Play the scale over common progressions, such as ii-V-I, to explore its unique sound.
Improvise melodies using the melodic minor scale over backing tracks or your own chord progressions.

By applying the melodic minor scale to chord progressions, you'll expand your harmonic vocabulary and discover new ways to express yourself on the guitar.

Melodic Soloing

Soloing with a melodic minor scale guitar can add an interesting and unique flavor to your improvisation. Here are some tips to help you incorporate the melodic minor scale into your solos:

Use the scale to target specific chord tones in your solos, such as the major 7th or the raised 6th.
Combine the melodic minor scale with other scales, like the major and natural minor, to create more diverse and interesting solos.
Practice soloing over backing tracks that feature melodic minor chords and progressions.

By incorporating the melodic minor scale into your solos, you'll unlock new melodic possibilities and add depth to your improvisation.

Creating Your Own Exercises

Designing your own melodic minor scale guitar exercises is a great way to further develop your understanding of the scale and its applications. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Create unique scale patterns or sequences to challenge your fingers and expand your fretboard knowledge.
Compose short melodies or riffs using the melodic minor scale.
Combine the melodic minor scale with other techniques, such as tapping, bending, or sliding, to create more dynamic exercises.

By creating your own exercises, you'll not only improve your technical skills but also gain a deeper understanding of the melodic minor scale and its many uses in music.

Applying the melodic minor scale in various ways will help you unlock its full potential and enhance your guitar playing, adding a unique and versatile tool to your musical toolbox.

Recommended Resources

To further enhance your understanding and mastery of the melodic minor scale guitar, it's beneficial to explore additional resources. Here are some recommendations for instructional books, online lessons, and guitar apps that can help you on your journey.

Instructional Books

Books can be a valuable source of information and inspiration for learning the melodic minor scale and its applications on the guitar. Consider these titles:

The Guitarist's Guide to Scales Over Chords by Chad Johnson – This book covers various scales, including the melodic minor, and how to apply them over chord progressions.
Modern Jazz Guitar Concepts by Jens Larsen – This book delves into the melodic minor scale and its use in modern jazz guitar playing.
Guitar Scales Handbook by Damon Ferrante – This comprehensive guide includes the melodic minor scale and provides exercises for mastering it on the guitar.

These instructional books can provide you with expert guidance and structured practice routines to help you master the melodic minor scale on the guitar.

Online Lessons

Online lessons can offer personalized instruction and interactive learning experiences to help you master the melodic minor scale guitar. Some popular platforms to consider are:

TrueFire – Offers a wide array of lessons and courses covering various scales, including the melodic minor, taught by professional guitar instructors.
JamPlay – Provides in-depth lessons on the melodic minor scale and its applications in various musical styles, such as jazz and fusion.
Guitar Tricks – Features comprehensive lessons on different scales and techniques, including the melodic minor scale, for guitarists of all skill levels.

Online lessons allow you to learn at your own pace and receive instant feedback, making them an excellent resource for mastering the melodic minor scale on the guitar.

Guitar Apps

There are numerous guitar apps available that can help you practice and apply the melodic minor scale. Some popular options include:

Guitar Scales & Chords – This app offers a vast library of scales, including the melodic minor, and allows you to practice them in different positions and keys.
iReal Pro – This app provides backing tracks in various styles that you can use to practice soloing with the melodic minor scale.
ScaleBank – This app includes the melodic minor scale and various other scales, along with fretboard diagrams and practice tips.

Guitar apps can be a convenient and engaging way to practice the melodic minor scale and incorporate it into your playing, whether you're at home or on the go.

Utilizing these recommended resources will help you deepen your understanding of the melodic minor scale guitar and its applications, ultimately enriching your guitar playing and musical creativity.

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