D melodic minor scale

How it is built

• The minor scale with a raised 6th and 7th: B and C♯. Seven notes, only the F left flat.
• Think of it as a major scale with a minor third. Jazz players run it over minor chords for a smoother line than harmonic minor's three-half-step jump.
• Classical practice lowers the 6th and 7th again on the way down; over chords, most players just use this form both directions.