Unlocking the magic hidden in music theory can reveal compelling secrets about your favorite songs, solos, and compositions. One of these intriguing mysteries resides in what we call the E flat melodic minor scale.
As intriguing as it sounds, it’s a fascinating canvas for musicians, unlocking a world of creativity and artistic expression. The E flat melodic minor scale has occupied an essential role in various music genres across eras.
It provides a foundation for composing and improvising in jazz and classical music too. If you’ve ever wanted to deepen your understanding or experiment with this scale, you’ve come to the right place!
This post will guide you through the ins and outs of this captivating musical tool.]
Intervals of the E Flat Melodic Minor Scale
Diving directly into the heart of the E Flat Melodic Minor scale, it becomes evident that this scale is constructed with specific musical intervals, which helps create its unique sound. The scale is built upon a pattern as below:
- From E-flat to F is a major second (two semitones)
- From F to G-flat is a minor third (one semitone)
- From G-flat to A-flat is a major second (two semitones)
- From A-flat to B-flat is another major second (two semitones)
- Moving from B-flat to C is a major second (two semitones) again.
- Between C and D, there’s a major second (two semitones).
- Finally, moving from D back to E flat, we find ourselves completing the octave with yet another major second (two semitones).
These distinctive intervals are what create the special character of this distinctive musical scale.
Describe the melodic minor scale’s formula.
The melodic minor scale’s unique trait is its different ascending and descending formulas. While ascending, the scale follows the pattern: Whole Step – Half Step – Whole Step – Whole Step – Whole Step – Whole Step – Half Step.
In this stage, it differs from the natural minor scale only by its raised 6th and 7th degrees. When descending, however, it assumes the natural minor pattern: Whole Step – Whole Step – Half Step – Whole Step – Whole Step – Half step – Whole Step.
This format makes the melodic minor scale a dynamic tool for musicians to weave intriguing melodies. Just remember these patterns, and you’re ready for some exciting music endeavors with E flat melodic minor scale.
Also Read: Mastering Chords In A Minor [Improve Your Composition Skills]
Ascending Scale Degrees of E Flat Melodic Minor
The E Flat melodic minor scale ascends in a unique way that differentiates it from other minor scales.
Here, I will detail each degree (step) of this compelling musical journey.
- 1st degree – root/tonic – Eb. The starting point, our home base if you will, is Eb.
- 2nd degree – supertonic – F. The second step brings us to F.
- 3rd degree – mediant – Gb. Moving forward, we land at Gb for the third degree.
- 4th degree – subdominant – Ab. Strike the note Ab to reach the fourth level on this scale.
- 5th degree – dominant – Bb. The halfway mark is Bb, a crucial pivot point or dominant in musical terms.
- 6th degree – submediant – C. The sixth step inspires melodies as we rise to C.
- 7th degree – leading note – D. Almost there, at D we’re approaching a resolution.
- Revisit our root note with the octave of the vocal dog Eb on top.
These degrees represent distinct notes on this musical journey upwards – an auditory pathway that pleasingly unites these elements into the E Flat melodic minor scale.
Descending Degrees in the E Flat Melodic Minor Scale
In contrast to the ascending structure, the E Flat melodic minor scale takes a distinctive form in its descending pattern.
It reverts to the traditional natural minor scale structure, creating an enticing sound profile that keeps listeners guessing. Let’s delve into this blueprint:
- 1st degree – root/tonic – Eb
- 7th degree – leading note – Db
- 6th degree – submediant – Cb
- 5th degree – dominant – Bb
- 4th degree – subdominant – Ab
- 3rd degree – mediant – Gb
- 2nd degree – supertonic – F
Essentially, as you move downward from the tonic, every step reveals a defining characteristic of the E Flat melodic minor scale.
From leading note to supertonic and eventually back to tonic – you witness a musical voyage enveloped in exciting sound textures.
Though variation exists in ascending and descending structures of melodic minor scales generally, this disparity can fuel more expressive melodies, lending a unique flavor to your musical creations.
Also Read: How To Transpose Treble To Bass Clef [Music Guide]
How to Play E Flat Melodic Minor on Various Instruments?
Embarking on the journey of mastering the E-flat melodic minor scale on different instruments may seem daunting at first.
We’ll dive into the specifics for piano, guitar, and violin, providing clear guidance to get you started.
Playing E Flat Melodic Minor on Piano
Using the formula for a melodic minor scale, you start at the root note of E flat. Following that, you proceed to F, G flat, A flat, B flat, C, D and finally return to E flat.
Notice that everything is natural except for E (which is flattened) and G (which is also flattened).
Here’s a quick guide:
- Start with your second finger (index) on E flat.
- Use your third finger (middle) to hit F.
- For G flat use your thumb (first finger).
- Cross over with your second finger to hit A flat.
- Progress naturally with a third on B, a thumb on C, and a second on D.
Finally, reach the top of the scale again starting from B using similar fingering.
Strumming Melodic Minor Chords on Guitar
Moving onto the guitar, let’s tackle this scale by starting at an open position which is located at the 11th fret 5th string.
The E-flat melodic minor scale consists of the notes: Eb – F – Gb – Ab – Bb – C – D – Eb
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Place your first finger on Eb which can be found at the 11th fret, 5th string.
- Stretch your pinky to reach F located at the 15th fret of the same string.
- Shift the first finger to the 9th fret of the next string(4th) for Gb and then stretch for Ab located at the 13th fret.
- Use the first finger on Bb found at the 11th fret of the next string(3rd), and stretch for C found at the 15th fret.
- Comprise D and Eb within reach by placing the index at the 12th fret(2nd string) and ring finger on the 15th fret of the same string.
Navigating E Flat Melodic Minor on a Violin
On violin, you’ll need to utilize natural fingerings and ease any shifts. By starting at the fourth position, you get a seamless motion without complicated string crossings.
- Initiate from Eb using the fourth finger (pinky) in the 4th position on the G string.
- Proceed with the first(open) finger for F and the second for Gb.
- Shift to 1st position for Ab, Bb, and C played by fingers 2nd(index),3rd(ring), 4th(pinky).
- Finally, shift back to 3rd position for D and finish off with Eb playing in the same spot as started.
This E-flat melodic minor scale will not only enrich your skill set as a musician but also provide a broader perspective toward the way you examine compositions or improvise over music.
Also Read: Transposition Chart [A Lifesaver For All Musicians]
Key Signature Specifics of E Flat Melodic Minor
The E flat melodic minor scale consists of seven pitches ranging from E flat (Eb) to D. Here’s a quick look at the sequence of notes and alterations:
- E flat (Eb) – the root note
- F – the major second
- G flat (Gb) – the minor third
- A flat (Ab) – the perfect fourth
- B flat (Bb) – perfect fifth
- C – major sixth
- D – major seventh
The key signature itself has two flats, Bb and Eb but due to melodic characteristics, when you ascend, you raise the 6th and 7th steps by half step removing flats from Cb and Db to make them natural, C & D respectively; when descending you revert these to flats.
This dynamic alteration gives our beloved E Flat Melodic Minor Scale its unique voice!
Notation of E Flat Melodic Minor Scale on Different Clefs
Just as an artist uses various brushes to create different strokes, a musician utilizes different clefs to convey the range and depth of the melody.
Let’s decipher how the E flat melodic minor scale manifests in a myriad of clefs.
Treble Clef
Transcribing the E flat melodic minor scale on a treble clef is quite straightforward.
Starting with E flat (bottom space), it proceeds up to F, G flat, A flat (middle line), B flat, C, D, and ends with E flat at the top line.
On its descent, it shifts back into natural minor—E flat (top line), D flat, C (third space), B flat (third line from bottom), A flat (second space), G flat (second line from bottom), F in middle space and finally ending on E-flat in the first/bottom space.
Bass Clef
The bass clef adds richness to lower pitches. The scale begins from the third line: E flat leading to F and G-flat on spaces around the fourth line followed by A-flat crosses over to B-flat(C-line); then above it is C & D which are underneath the top last 2 lines; lastly ending at E-flat that rests above 2nd top lines.
The descending sequence alters —E-flat down through D-flat, C down till in between 2 upper lines(B-flat); followed by A -flat we move down to 3rd space(G-Flat); we descend with F till 4th spacing then lastly conclude at third-line; resting our lower voices>E-flat!
Alto Clef
Primarily utilized for viola transcription. E-flat (first space from bottom); moving upwards, F at first-line; G flat-second space; A flat directly above that, at second-line; soaring higher is B flat at third space and C; D and ending on E flat on top last lines respectively.
Descending shows a natural minor distinction—E-flat(D line) shifts to D-flat in between the last two spacings to C which resides below the penultimate lines.
Tenor Clef
The tenor clef shares similarities with Alto & treble clefs. In ascending order: E-flat is notated on the first line; F- first space above it, G flat on – the second line, A flat-second space; B flat-third line and C- third space then D, which occupies the fourth line of the scale, followed by finality at E-flat above it on an upper space.
Hence, despite varying notations remaining intrinsic to these separate grand staff clefs; their identical scales convey a single melody.
Just as an artist identifies which brush suits a particular stroke; musicians must identify each tonal texture realized from every different clef deployment.
Chords found in the E Flat melodic minor scale?
In studying the E flat melodic minor scale, it’s essential to demystify the chords within it.
Each note of the scale generates various chords, each with its unique sound and musical flavor. The following seven chords originate from this scale:
- EbminMaj7 (E flat minor major seventh)
- Fm7 (F minor seventh)
- Gbmaj7#5 (G flat major seventh sharp fifth)
- Ab7 (A flat seventh)
- Bb7 (B flat seventh)
- Cm7b5 (C minor seven flat fifth)
- Ddim7 (D diminished seventh).
Each chord supplies a distinct characteristic tone in compositions and improvisation, adding versatility and richness to your music repertoire.
The Jazz-Influenced E-Flat Melodic Minor Scale
In the world of jazz, the E-flat melodic minor scale (also known as jazz minor scale) takes on a slightly different form.
Rather than changing notes depending on ascending or descending, this scale maintains its structure in both directions. The jazz interpretation of E flat melodic minor isn’t just played while ascending as in classical music.
Its sequence remains the same both while ascending and descending. It moves through Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb, C, D, and back to Eb.
Eb – F – Gb – Ab – Bb – C – D – Eb
This consistency creates a balanced tonality that is very characteristic of this dynamic genre. The alternating semitones and tones create a suspenseful feeling for its widespread use in improvisations.
Mastering this scale can add an impressive layer to your musical accomplishments allowing you to tap into the soulful expressiveness of Jazz with ease.
Also Read: E Major: Scale And Chords [Exciting Sounds For Your Compositions]
FAQs
What is a Melodic Minor Scale?
The melodic minor scale is a musical scale that’s played one way when ascending and another way when descending. It’s one of the three types of minor scales, the others being natural and harmonic.
Which notes are in the E Flat melodic minor scale?
The E Flat melodic minor scale includes the following notes: E flat, F, G flat, A flat, B flat, C, D, and E flat on ascending and these notes: E flat, D flat, C flat, B double-flat, A flat, G flat, F, and E flat while descending.
How is it different from other minor scales?
Unlike other minor scales that follow the same note pattern regardless of the ascending or descending order of play. The melodic minor scale uses different note sequences depending on whether it’s ascending or descending.
Why do musicians choose to use the E Flat melodic minor scale?
Many musicians prefer using the E Flat Melodic Minor because it provides distinctive harmonic choices that can be mood-altering or carry a unique tonal character compared to other scales.
Where is the use of this scale prevalent?
The use of this particular scale is noticeable in various music genres including jazz and classical music – it can also often be found in improvisational performance pieces.
Also Read: Phrygian Mode [Adding Exotic Flair To Your Musical Compositions]
Conclusion
Mastering the E Flat melodic minor scale can open up a multitude of possibilities in your musical journey.
Whether you are a novice who is looking for new realms to explore, or an experienced musician trying to add his unique touch, getting the grips on this scale would prove instrumental.
Its intricacies might be intimidating at first, but once you delve into it, the rewards are worthwhile.
