Alto Saxophone · Melodic Minor scale · written pitch
G♯ Melodic Minor scale for Alto Saxophone
1 octave from G♯4, key signature 5 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯). On the alto saxophone this sounds in concert B 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 | G♯ | A♯ | B | C♯ | D♯ | E♯ | F× | G♯ |
| Concert | B | C♯ | D | E | F♯ | A♭ | B♭ | B |
Descending, the melodic minor uses the natural minor: F♯ E D♯ C♯ B A♯ G♯.
Practice tips
- With 5 sharps, 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 G♯ Melodic Minor scale on alto saxophone?
G♯, A♯, B, C♯, D♯, E♯, F×, G♯.
What is the key signature of G♯ Melodic Minor?
G♯ minor has 5 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯).
What concert key is written G♯ Melodic Minor on the alto saxophone?
Written G♯ minor on the alto saxophone sounds in concert B minor.