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B♭ Clarinet · Melodic Minor scale · written pitch

E Melodic Minor scale for B♭ Clarinet

2 octaves from E3, key signature 1 sharp (F♯). On the B♭ Clarinet this sounds in concert D minor.

Scale — ascending & descending

EF♯GABC♯D♯EF♯GABC♯D♯EDCBAGF♯EDCBAGF♯E

Arpeggio

EGBEGBEBGEBGE

Download: MIDI · MusicXML (opens in MuseScore, Sibelius, Dorico, Finale) ·

Fingerings for every note

Notes of the scale

Degree12345678
WrittenEF♯GABC♯D♯E
ConcertDEFGABC♯D

Descending, the melodic minor uses the natural minor: D C B A G F♯ E D.

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 E Melodic Minor scale on B♭ Clarinet?

E, F♯, G, A, B, C♯, D♯, E.

What is the key signature of E Melodic Minor?

E minor has 1 sharp (F♯).

What concert key is written E Melodic Minor on the B♭ Clarinet?

Written E minor on the B♭ Clarinet sounds in concert D minor.