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