Which minor scale has a raised 7th scale degree when ascending and descending

1 answer

The minor scale that has a raised 7th scale degree when ascending and descending is called the Melodic Minor Scale.

In the melodic minor scale, when ascending, the 6th and 7th degrees are raised by a half step compared to the natural minor scale. When descending, it typically follows the natural minor scale, which means the 6th and 7th degrees are not raised. However, in modern practice, many musicians will also play the raised 6th and 7th when descending.

To summarize:

  • Ascending: 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, #6, #7
  • Descending: 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7 (or sometimes 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, #6, #7)

If you're looking for a scale that raises the 7th both ascending and descending, then you would refer only to the melodic minor while recognizing the common descent practice.