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A Melodic Minor

Ascending melodic minor: natural minor with both the 6th and 7th raised. Smooths out the augmented second of harmonic minor while preserving the strong leading tone.

♭3C4D5E1A2B♭3C4D5E1A2B6F♯7G♯6F♯7G♯

Notes

1A
2B
♭3C
4D
5E
6F♯
7G♯

Common progressions

i–IV–V
Am–D–E

The basic minor cadence. In harmonic minor the V becomes a major chord, creating a strong pull back to the tonic.

i–vi°–vii°
Am–F♯°–G♯°

Step-wise ascending progression heard throughout rock and metal.

i–vii°–vi°–V
Am–G♯°–F♯°–E

The Andalusian cadence — a descending tetrachord foundational in flamenco and Western classical music.

ii7–V7–i(maj7)
Bm7–E7–Am(maj7)

The minor ii–V–i. The ii is half-diminished; in harmonic minor the V becomes a dominant 7, the classic minor-key turnaround.