example of the modes of a melodic minor scale

The melodic minor scale is a very powerful scale when used with the correct chords. Many jazz musicians used this scale as a foundation for improvising. The jazz version is also referred to as the Jazz minor scale. Listen to “Nica’s Dream” by Horace Silver and you will hear tons of melodic minor harmony and scales.

I think of the melodic minor scale as a Major scale with a flatted third. Below is an example written in letter names:
A Major: 1=A  2=B  3=C# 4=D  5=E  6=F#  7=G#  8=A
A Mel. minor: 1=A  2=B  3=C 4=D  5=E  6=F#  7=G#  8=A (notice the 3rd is flatted from the Major scale.

In classical music this scale is represented by the melodic minor scale going up and the Natural minor going down. Most jazz musicians use just the melodic minor scale going up or down.

The process of harmonizing a scale is to just stack every other note of the scale on top of each scale tone. If we did this with 4 part harmony we would come up with these chords.

1=Am(Maj.7)  2=Bm7  3=C Maj.7(#5)  4=D7  5=E7  6=F#m7(b5)  7=G#m7(b5)  8=Am(Maj7)

Try to memorize the seven chord types found in this scale. Since all of these chords are built from the A melodic minor scale then the scale can be played over any of these chords. Eventually you want to try this in all keys.

To recap;

1 is a minor triad with a Major 7th (minor/Major7th)

2 is a minor 7th

3 is a Major 7th with a #5

4 is a dominant 7th

5 is a dominant 7th

6 is a minor 7th (b5)

7 is a minor 7th (b5)

If you’re getting into jazz guitar or expanding your jazz chops, this comprehensive approach is for you. From comping, chord progressions and chord voicings to single-note soloing, you will learn, step by step, the tools necessary for playing jazz guitar.