F Melodic Minor Cavaquinho Scale — Standard
Cavaquinho scale in Standard tuning — fretboard diagram
F Melodic Minor in Standard — Notes and Intervals
The F Melodic Minor scale, often called the Jazz Minor, offers a more sophisticated and fluid sound than the natural minor. On Cavaquinho, it contains the notes F, G, Ab, Bb, C, D, E. It is a vital tool for modern jazz improvisation, allowing players to navigate complex dominant chords and create elegant, tension-filled melodic lines that avoid the exotic jump of the harmonic minor. The diatonic chords of F Melodic Minor are Fm6, Gm7, Ab+maj7, Bb7, C7, Dm7b5, Em7b5. Commonly used in Jazz, Fusion, Contemporary Classical, Progressive. Notable players include Pat Metheny, John Coltrane, Allan Holdsworth. 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.
Notes: F, G, Ab, Bb, C, D, E
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 6 7
Formula: W-H-W-W-W-W-H
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Standard (D-G-B-D)
Diatonic Chords
Fm6 — Gm7 — A♭+maj7 — B♭7 — C7 — Dm7♭5 — Em7♭5
About Standard Tuning
The cavaquinho is a small four-string Brazilian instrument tuned D-G-B-D, producing a bright, punchy tone that drives the rhythm in samba, choro, and pagode. Its steel strings and small body create a percussive attack that cuts through percussion-heavy ensembles, making it the rhythmic backbone of Brazilian popular music.
The cavaquinho (also spelled cavaco) is to Brazilian music what the guitar is to rock — absolutely essential. In samba, the cavaquinho player provides the rhythmic centro (center) that holds the bateria (percussion section) together. In choro, it takes on a more melodic role, weaving intricate lines between the bandolim and guitar. Waldir Azevedo's 'Brasileirinho' is perhaps the most famous cavaquinho piece, showcasing the instrument's virtuosic potential. The cavaquinho is also the ancestor of the Hawaiian ukulele, brought to the islands by Portuguese immigrants.
Notable artists: Waldir Azevedo, Paulinho da Viola, Beth Carvalho, Nelson Cavaquinho, Luciana Rabello
Best for: Samba rhythm, choro melody and accompaniment, pagode, and Brazilian ensemble playing