B♭ Clarinet · Melodic Minor scale · written pitch
D Melodic Minor scale for B♭ Clarinet
2 octaves from D4, key signature 1 flat (B♭). On the B♭ Clarinet this sounds in concert C 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 | D | E | F | G | A | B | C♯ | D |
| Concert | C | D | E♭ | F | G | A | B | C |
Descending, the melodic minor uses the natural minor: C B♭ A G F E D C.
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.
- 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 D Melodic Minor scale on B♭ Clarinet?
D, E, F, G, A, B, C♯, D.
What is the key signature of D Melodic Minor?
D minor has 1 flat (B♭).
What concert key is written D Melodic Minor on the B♭ Clarinet?
Written D minor on the B♭ Clarinet sounds in concert C minor.