Alto Saxophone · Melodic Minor scale · written pitch
B♭ Melodic Minor scale for Alto Saxophone
2 octaves from B♭3, key signature 5 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭). On the alto saxophone this sounds in concert D♭ minor.
Scale — ascending & descending
Arpeggio
Download: MIDI · MusicXML (opens in MuseScore, Sibelius, Dorico, Finale) ·
Fingerings for every note
Notes of the scale
| Degree | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written | B♭ | C | D♭ | E♭ | F | G | A | B♭ |
| Concert | C♯ | E♭ | E | F♯ | A♭ | B♭ | C | C♯ |
Descending, the melodic minor uses the natural minor: A♭ G♭ F E♭ D♭ C B♭ A♭.
Practice tips
- With 5 flats, work out the chromatic fingerings first (sliver keys, side keys, alternate pinky keys) and practise the awkward pairs slowly in isolation.
- Ascending, degrees 6 and 7 are raised; descending they return to the key signature (natural minor).
- Low notes on the saxophone respond best with an open throat and a little more mouthpiece; avoid pinching.
- Practise with a metronome: legato first, then tongued; then in thirds and in rhythms (long–short, short–long).
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of the B♭ Melodic Minor scale on alto saxophone?
B♭, C, D♭, E♭, F, G, A, B♭.
What is the key signature of B♭ Melodic Minor?
B♭ minor has 5 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭).
What concert key is written B♭ Melodic Minor on the alto saxophone?
Written B♭ minor on the alto saxophone sounds in concert D♭ minor.