Scale Spelling Worksheet – Level 2
Part A: write natural, harmonic and melodic minor scales (ascending) from each tonic. Part B: write the requested mode from each root, for example D dorian or Eb lydian. Use each letter once and the correct accidentals. Check with the answer key.
- E Phrygian Mode
- A Lydian Mode
- E Lydian Mode
- B Melodic Minor Scale
- D Mixolydian Mode
- F sharp Dorian Mode
- F Lydian Mode
- D sharp Phrygian Mode
- B Major Pentatonic Scale
- G Melodic Minor Scale
Answer key
Show the answers
- E Phrygian Mode: E F G A B C D
- A Lydian Mode: A B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯
- E Lydian Mode: E F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯
- B Melodic Minor Scale: B C♯ D E F♯ G♯ A♯
- D Mixolydian Mode: D E F♯ G A B C
- F sharp Dorian Mode: F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D♯ E
- F Lydian Mode: F G A B C D E
- D sharp Phrygian Mode: D♯ E F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯
- B Major Pentatonic Scale: B C♯ D♯ F♯ G♯
- G Melodic Minor Scale: G A B♭ C D E F♯
Goal
Spell the three minor scales and all seven modes correctly, the basis for improvisation and understanding harmony.
How to practise
- Natural minor: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7. Harmonic minor: raise the 7th (1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7). Melodic minor (ascending): raise the 6th and 7th (1 2 b3 4 5 6 7).
- Modes from the major scale: dorian (b3 b7), phrygian (b2 b3 b6 b7), lydian (#4), mixolydian (b7), aeolian (= natural minor), locrian (b2 b3 b5 b6 b7).
- Method: write the major scale of the root first, then apply the changes from the formula.
- Alternative for modes: find the parent major scale. D dorian uses the notes of C major.
Self-check
Check with the key, then play each scale in the scale explorer and listen for its characteristic note.
A Harmonic Minor Scale
A – B – C – D – E – F – G♯
Next steps
Read minor scales and modes, and print the scale formulas chart. Try D dorian and G mixolydian on your instrument.