This post is a summary of the previous posts regarding the modes of the Melodic Minor scale (see Index to other posts at the end).
I am trying to break away from the usual pattern-based approach to learning scales and am attempting to use a purely interval-based approach. This post just sums up the important information to help me along.
| Mode | Intervals | Chords | Tensions |
| Melodic Minor* | R – 2 – b3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 | min(Maj7) min6 |
9, 11, 13 |
| Dorian b2 | R – b2 – b3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – b7 | Dom13(b9sus4) | b9, 11, 13 |
| Lydian Augmented* | R – 2 – 3 – #4 – #5 – 6 – 7 | Maj7#5 Maj7#11 |
9, #11, 13 |
| Lydian Dominant* | R – 2 – 3 – #4 – 5 – 6 – b7 | Dom7#11 | 9, #11, 13 |
| Mixolydian b6 | R – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – b6 – b7 | Dom7b13 | 9, 11, b13 |
| Aeolian b5 | R – 2 – b3 – 4 – b5 – b6 – b7 | min7b5 min7b5♮9 |
9, 11, b13 |
| Altered Scale* | R – b2 – b3 – b4 – b5 – b6 – b7 | Dom7alt | b5, #5, b9, #9 |
* Commonly used modes
Index to other posts
- Melodic minor modes – Melodic Minor
- Melodic minor modes – Dorian b2
- Melodic minor modes – Lydian Augmented
- Melodic minor modes – Lydian Dominant
- Melodic minor modes – Mixolydian b6
- Melodic minor modes – Aeolian b5
- Melodic minor modes – Altered Scale
Andy—Nice material here. I’m a pro-performer and educator,. and I love what you’re doing. Well thought-out stuff. Nice to have the research footnotes. Feels like street-smarts jazz thoery–the very best kind. Academics tend to miss the flavor you bring. Kudos! I will be recommending your site to my students. Rock-on our Hollowkind brother!!!
Thank you so much for the very nice comment. I only wish I had more time available to create additional content but your comment certainly provides an incentive to find some! All the best and thanks again.