Bb Melodic Minor Scale
Bb–C–Db–Eb–F–G–A · root also written A#
Bb Melodic Minor has 7 notes: Bb–C–Db–Eb–F–G–A. Start with Bb natural minor, then raise the 6th and 7th to G and A.
The natural 7 pulls into Bb. The natural 6 removes the wide leap between the flat 6 and natural 7 in harmonic minor, which gives the top of the scale a smoother line.
This page uses the jazz form, with the same notes going up and down. In classical lessons, melodic minor often comes down as natural minor instead.
Put this scale in context with the free Guitar Modes Interactive Book, including tonal-center audio, scale-family comparisons, original tab, games, and quizzes.
Bb Melodic Minor Scale on the Fretboard
Standard tuning, frets 0–12. Every dot is a note in the scale — blue dots are the root (Bb).
Tap any dot to hear that exact pitch. Swipe sideways to see the full neck. With a keyboard, use Tab and press Enter or Space.
Choose a dot to hear its pitch
Notes and Intervals
| Interval | R | 2 | ♭3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | Bb | C | Db | Eb | F | G | A |
Songs That Use the Melodic Minor Sound
Wes Montgomery — “Four on Six”
Listen for minor lines that use the natural 6 and 7 instead of staying inside natural minor.
Pat Metheny — “Bright Size Life”
The changing minor harmony is a useful place to hear melodic minor and its modes in a full improvisation.
Allan Holdsworth — “Devil Take the Hindmost”
Use the legato lines as ear training for melodic-minor sounds that move beyond a straight scale run.
Bb Melodic Minor Scale FAQ
What notes are in the Bb Melodic Minor scale?
Bb Melodic Minor contains 7 notes: Bb–C–Db–Eb–F–G–A. The interval formula is R–2–♭3–4–5–6–7.
What is the Bb Melodic Minor scale used for?
Use it over a minor tonic when the chords support a natural 6 and 7, or use one of its modes over a matching jazz chord. Compare it with natural and harmonic minor first so you can hear when those two changed notes fit.
What is the difference between Bb natural minor and Bb melodic minor?
Jazz melodic minor raises the flat 6 and flat 7 of natural minor to 6 and 7 (G and A). The minor 3rd stays put. This changes two notes against the same root, so it is not a relative-major shortcut.
Does the Bb Melodic Minor scale change when descending?
It depends on the convention. Classical melodic minor often returns to natural minor on the way down. Jazz and contemporary guitar usually keep 1-2-flat 3-4-5-6-7 in both directions. This page uses the jazz form.
How do I practice the Bb Melodic Minor scale?
Play natural, harmonic, and melodic minor from the same Bb root. Stop on the 6th and 7th of each scale, then use the free Studio metronome to move between them without changing position.
Related Scales
Practice Bb Melodic Minor with real feedback
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