Lecture Notes: Calculating Melodic Minor Scales

Introduction

• This is part three of a series on calculating minor scales.
• It's imperative to have watched part one on natural minors and part two on harmonic minors for foundational understanding.

Important Prerequisites

• Understanding natural minors is essential.
• Part two covers harmonic minors.

Calculating Melodic Minor Scales

General Steps

1. Start with the Natural Minor Scale
   • Steps one and two involve calculating the natural minor scale.
2. Convert Natural Minor to Melodic Minor
   • Step 3: Raise the sixth by a semitone (ascending only).
   • Step 4: Raise the seventh by a semitone (ascending only).
   • No changes are made to descending notes.

Example 1: C Melodic Minor

• C Natural Minor: Calculated in part one.
• Step 3: Raise the 6th note (A flat to A).
• Step 4: Raise the 7th note (B flat to B).
• Descending: Same as C natural minor.

Example 2: F Melodic Minor

• Calculate F Natural Minor
  • Key Signature: 4 flats (B, E, A, D)
• Step 3: Raise the 6th note (D flat to D).
• Step 4: Raise the 7th note (E flat to E).
• Descending: No changes from natural minor.

Example 3: G# Melodic Minor (Ascending)

• Calculate G# Natural Minor
  • Key Signature: 5 sharps (F, C, G, D, A)
• Step 3: Raise the 6th note (E to E#).
• Step 4: Raise the 7th note (F# to F double sharp).
• Descending: Not covered, focus on ascending.

Key Considerations

• Enharmonic Equivalents: Understand differences (e.g., E# vs F).
• Double Sharps: Use to avoid placing two notes on the same line or space.

Recap

• Always begin calculations with the natural minor scale.
• Harmonic Minor: Raise the 7th note both ascending and descending.
• Melodic Minor: Raise the 6th and 7th notes only ascending.

Conclusion

• Series aims to educate on minor scales effectively.
• Contact for more music theory topics.

Additional Resources

• Accidentals and Semitones: Refer to the video for detailed explanations.
• Circle of Fifths: Review for understanding key signatures and enharmonic equivalents.

Contact

• For further queries or topics, reach out via email.