B♭ Clarinet · Melodic Minor scale · written pitch
C♯ Melodic Minor scale for B♭ Clarinet
2 octaves from C♯4, key signature 4 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯). 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♯ | D | E | F♯ | A♭ | B♭ | 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.
- The top notes are in the altissimo: slide the left index finger off its hole as a vent and keep the air fast and focused.
- With 4 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 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 4 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯).
What concert key is written C♯ Melodic Minor on the B♭ Clarinet?
Written C♯ minor on the B♭ Clarinet sounds in concert B minor.