The gap between $\flat\hat{6}$ and $\natural\hat{7}$ of the harmonic minor scale can be evened out by raising $\flat\hat{6}$ to $\natural\hat{6}$. Since this is done to make the melodic line smoother, this form of the minor scale is known as the **melodic minor scale**. By convention, we typically notate the ascending portion of the melodic minor scale with $\natural\hat{6}$ and $\natural\hat{7}$ and the descending portion with $\flat\hat{6}$ and $\flat\hat{7}$. This is purely a convention and does not accurately reflect how music in the minor mode really works. >[!Important!] >It is incorrect to assume $\natural\hat{6}$ and $\natural\hat{7}$ must be used when a melodic passage in the minor mode is ascending. Likewise, just because a passage is descending does not require that $\flat\hat{6}$ and $\flat\hat{7}$ be used. More often than not, it is the underlying harmony that suggests which minor scale version will be used. ![[minor scales example 3.png]] **Example 1.** C melodic minor scale. ![[minor scales example 3.mp3]]