Alto Saxophone · Melodic Minor scale · written pitch
F Melodic Minor scale for Alto Saxophone
2 octaves from F4, key signature 4 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭). On the alto saxophone this sounds in concert A♭ 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 | F | G | A♭ | B♭ | C | D | E | F |
| Concert | A♭ | B♭ | B | C♯ | E♭ | F | G | A♭ |
Descending, the melodic minor uses the natural minor: E♭ D♭ C B♭ A♭ G F E♭.
Practice tips
- With 4 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).
- 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 F Melodic Minor scale on alto saxophone?
F, G, A♭, B♭, C, D, E, F.
What is the key signature of F Melodic Minor?
F minor has 4 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭).
What concert key is written F Melodic Minor on the alto saxophone?
Written F minor on the alto saxophone sounds in concert A♭ minor.