B♭ Clarinet · Melodic Minor scale · written pitch
C Melodic Minor scale for B♭ Clarinet
2 octaves from C4, key signature 3 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭). On the B♭ Clarinet 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 | C | D | E♭ | F | G | A | B | C |
| Concert | B♭ | C | C♯ | E♭ | F | G | A | B♭ |
Descending, the melodic minor uses the natural minor: B♭ A♭ G F E♭ D C B♭.
Practice tips
- This scale crosses the break (B♭4 → B4). Keep the right-hand fingers resting just above or on their rings through the throat notes, then move the whole hand down together with the register key.
- 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 C Melodic Minor scale on B♭ Clarinet?
C, D, E♭, F, G, A, B, C.
What is the key signature of C Melodic Minor?
C minor has 3 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭).
What concert key is written C Melodic Minor on the B♭ Clarinet?
Written C minor on the B♭ Clarinet sounds in concert B♭ minor.