mMaj7 tonic
mMaj7 tonic
The scale directly contains 1, ♭3, 5 and 7.
Guitar Scales · ChordRevelation
Melodic Minor Scale on Guitar — Jazz Formula, Modes & Chord Use
In modern jazz practice, melodic minor is commonly treated as the same ascending collection in both directions. It combines a minor 3rd with natural 6 and major 7.
Interval formula / structure1–2–♭3–4–5–6–7
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Harmony first
Where this scale fits.
ChordRevelation treats scale choice as a relationship between chord formula, function and target — not as a root-name lookup.
Modern minor color
Modern minor color
Natural 6 differentiates it from Aeolian and harmonic minor.
Altered dominant connection
Altered dominant connection
The seventh mode of melodic minor produces the Altered scale used over altered dominant chords.
Fretboard practice
Turn the formula into usable guitar vocabulary.
Keep chord tones visible, compare overlays and practice toward the next chord instead of running patterns without a harmonic destination.
Practice
Compare three minor systems
Play Natural Minor, Harmonic Minor and Melodic Minor from the same root.
Practice
Target the 6 and 7
Those two notes create the distinctive difference from Aeolian.
Practice
Link to Altered
Move the melodic-minor root up a semitone from a dominant root to derive the altered dominant collection.
FAQ
Quick answers.
The interval formula is the starting point; Play Over provides the real harmonic context.
What is the formula for melodic minor?
1–2–♭3–4–5–6–7
How should I practice melodic minor on guitar?
Connect the interval formula to chord tones and real harmonic context, then compare positions on the fretboard instead of memorizing a single box.
Can I use melodic minor over every chord with the same root?
No. Scale choice depends on chord quality, harmonic function, key context and the next target chord, not only the root name.
ChordRevelation Play Over
See the scale inside the actual chord.
Open the approach on the fretboard, compare chord tones with tensions, keep multiple overlays visible and use the next chord as the resolution target.