Explore scales · Guitar
A melodic minor scale on guitar
A melodic minor uses A, B, C, D, E, F♯, G♯. Box 1 places the root on string 6, fret 5 for a compact start.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, 6, 7
How do you play the A melodic minor scale on guitar?
A melodic minor in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 14 notes across 6 strings, from E on the low E string at fret 0 up to F♯ on the high e string at fret 2. The root falls on the A string at fret 0 and the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 0, 2 | E, F♯ |
| 5 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
| 4 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 3 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
| 2 (B) | 0, 1, 3 | B, C, D |
| 1 (e) | 0, 2 | E, F♯ |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
A melodic minor in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 16 notes across 6 strings, from F♯ on the low E string at fret 2 up to A on the high e string at fret 5. The root falls on the low E string at fret 5, the G string at fret 2 and the high e string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 2, 4, 5 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 5 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
| 4 (D) | 2, 4 | E, F♯ |
| 3 (G) | 2, 4, 5 | A, B, C |
| 2 (B) | 3, 5 | D, E |
| 1 (e) | 2, 4, 5 | F♯, G♯, A |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
A melodic minor in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 14 notes across 6 strings, from A on the low E string at fret 5 up to C on the high e string at fret 8. The root falls on the low E string at fret 5, the D string at fret 7 and the high e string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
| 5 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
| 4 (D) | 6, 7 | G♯, A |
| 3 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
| 2 (B) | 5, 7 | E, F♯ |
| 1 (e) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
A melodic minor in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 16 notes across 6 strings, from B on the low E string at fret 7 up to D on the high e string at fret 10. The root falls on the D string at fret 7 and the B string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 5 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
| 4 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 3 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
| 2 (B) | 7, 9, 10 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 1 (e) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
A melodic minor in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 13 notes across 6 strings, from D on the low E string at fret 10 up to E on the high e string at fret 12. The root falls on the A string at fret 12 and the B string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 5 (A) | 11, 12 | G♯, A |
| 4 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 3 (G) | 11, 13 | F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (B) | 10, 12, 13 | A, B, C |
| 1 (e) | 10, 12 | D, E |
Why it sounds like that
A melodic minor raises the sixth and seventh degrees of A natural minor, giving a major-scale upper tetrachord. Compare it with A major, which has C♯ instead of C. The scale is also called Jazz Minor or Gauri Manohari.
When to use it
A melodic minor fits A minor and A 5th chords. Use it over minor progressions in jazz and fusion for a bright, major-like color on the upper tetrachord.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 6, fret 5, and the shape covers frets 0–3, setting up Box 2.
Common questions
What notes are in A melodic minor?
A melodic minor contains A, B, C, D, E, F♯, and G♯. The raised sixth and seventh degrees distinguish it from natural minor. The scale is also known as Jazz Minor or Gauri Manohari.
Which chords does A melodic minor fit?
A melodic minor fits A minor and A 5th chords. The raised sixth and seventh create a major feel over the upper tetrachord. It suits jazz and fusion minor progressions.
How does A melodic minor differ from A major?
A melodic minor has C natural, while A major has C♯. The sixth and seventh degrees are raised in melodic minor. This gives a minor third with a major sixth and seventh.