C Melodic Minor scale
The C Melodic Minor scale is a 7-note melodic minor scale built on the root C. Its notes are C, D, E♭, F, G, A and B. Smooth ascending minor with raised sixth and seventh — central to jazz. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make C Melodic Minor a powerful tool for improvising and composing.
Melodic minor is a cornerstone of jazz improvisation and modern classical writing. Its raised sixth and seventh smooth out the natural minor and unlock rich modal vocabulary. Built on the root C, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key — making it especially useful in genres and registers where C is a comfortable tonal centre.
Formula & step pattern
The C Melodic Minor scale follows the natural minor pattern with raised sixth and seventh degrees on the way up. Step pattern: W - H - W - W - W - W - H. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2M · 3m · 4P · 5P · 6M · 7M. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.
C Melodic Minor on the piano
C Melodic Minor on the guitar
C Melodic Minor on the staff
Hear the C Melodic Minor scale
Notes of the C Melodic Minor scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | C |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | D |
| 3 | 3m | 3 | E♭(Eb) |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | F |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | G |
| 6 | 6M | 9 | A |
| 7 | 7M | 11 | B |
Diatonic chords of C Melodic Minor
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
How to use the C Melodic Minor scale
The diatonic chords of C Melodic Minor are: i = Cm, ii = Dm, III+ = E♭+, IV = F, V = G, vi° = A°, vii° = B°. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in C Melodic Minor. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
Melodic minor is a cornerstone of jazz improvisation and modern classical writing. Its raised sixth and seventh smooth out the natural minor and unlock rich modal vocabulary.
Practice tips
Learn the ascending melodic minor (with raised sixth and seventh) and use it both ways for jazz purposes. Modal jazz players use the entire melodic minor scale uniformly in both directions.
Famous songs in this key
C Melodic Minor appears throughout melodic minor is a cornerstone of jazz improvisation and modern classical writing. its raised sixth and seventh smooth out the natural minor and unlock rich modal vocabulary. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Scales related to C Melodic Minor
Once you are comfortable with C Melodic Minor, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with C Melodic Minor and are a natural next step in your study.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the C Melodic Minor scale?
What is the formula for the C Melodic Minor scale?
Is C Melodic Minor a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the C Melodic Minor scale?
Which genres use C Melodic Minor?
How do I practise the C Melodic Minor scale?
Take C Melodic Minor into your music
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