C melodic minor scale diatonic chords
C melodic minor scale seventh chords
scale
Fretboard diagram
C melodic minor scale — chords and intervals
The harmonized C melodic minor scale generates a sophisticated chord family widely used in jazz composition and arranging. Its unique combination of altered chords makes it the go-to source for modern harmonic color. The chords built from C melodic minor are Cm6, Dm7, Eb+maj7, F7, G7, Am7b5, Bm7b5. The i-II progression creates a distinctive jazz-minor sound, and the IV7 chord is the basis for the Lydian Dominant sound used in fusion. Many jazz standards exploit these chords for smooth, unexpected voice leading. Commonly used in Jazz, Fusion, Contemporary Classical, Progressive. Notable players include Pat Metheny, John Coltrane, Allan Holdsworth.
The C melodic minor scale has the following degrees: 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 7.
Intervals: W-H-W-W-W-W-H.
Diatonic chords: Cm6, Dm7, Eb+maj7, F7, G7, Am7b5, Bm7b5.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | Cm6 |
| ii | Dm7 |
| iii | Eb+maj7 |
| IV | F7 |
| V | G7 |
| vi | Am7b5 |
| vii° | Bm7b5 |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (Cm6) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (Dm7) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (Eb+maj7) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (F7) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (G7) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (Am7b5) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (Bm7b5) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the C melodic minor scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.
Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the C melodic minor scale on guitar.
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over m(Maj7), m6 chords. Its modes cover nearly every altered dominant situation in jazz. The 'jazz minor' is the single most important advanced scale system.