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Materials
15 Videos • 2 Soundslice Files • 15 PDFs • 7 Backing Tracks
Secrets of Melodic Minor
From Mysterious to Mastered: Learn Melodic Minor That Works!
Finally Understand Melodic Minor, And Use It Confidently In Your Solos!
Course Description
Ever heard that dark, sophisticated sound in a jazz solo and thought, “What scale is that?”
Chances are, it was melodic minor.
For years, melodic minor has been the “forbidden scale” for many jazz guitarists. You know it’s important. You’ve heard it create those haunting, unexpected colors in the solos you love. But every time you try to use it yourself, it feels abstract, disconnected, or just plain wrong.
Fret Dojo instructor Ryan Dillahay, a working jazz guitarist who studied with the renowned Barry Greene, breaks melodic minor down into a clear, practical system you can actually use.
You’ll learn the essential scale positions without drowning in fingerboard diagrams, the key modes (like Lydian Dominant and Altered) that unlock specific sounds over specific chords, exactly where melodic minor fits into ii-V-I progressions, and most importantly: how to hear these sounds and use them musically, not just technically.
Then Ryan gives you complete melodic minor etudes, real musical phrases that show you exactly how these colors work in actual solos, not theoretical exercises.
No more wondering “when do I use this?” You’ll hear it in context, see it on the fretboard, and play it yourself with confidence.
This is the scale that adds depth and sophistication to your playing.
Now, it’s finally within your reach.
What You’ll Learn
- Understand the melodic minor scale and its unique harmonic colors
- Learn to position the scale fluidly across the fretboard
- Build modern lines inspired by greats like Pat Metheny and George Benson
- Apply melodic minor modes directly to chords and progressions
- Use altered tensions, lydian dominant ideas, and other expressive colors
- Learn multiple melodic minor etudes to reinforce real-world usage
- Apply melodic minor to ii–V–I progressions with clarity and confidence
- Connect theoretical knowledge with hands-on musical examples
Who This Course Is For
- Players ready to deepen their jazz improvisation vocabulary
- Students who want to use modern melodic minor colors confidently
- Guitarists seeking to sound more expressive and contemporary
- Musicians wanting to study the sounds used by greats like Pat Metheny and Pat Martino
- Anyone wanting a structured approach to melodic minor theory and application
Click here to see the lesson list
Part 1: Scale Familiarization
- Introduction
- Theory Lesson I: The Melodic Minor Scale
- Positioning the Melodic Minor Scale
- Melodic Minor Example Lines
- Playing Sample Tune: “Mel”
- Assignment #1: Mel Performance
Part 2: Modes of Melodic Minor & Application
- Part 2 Introduction
- Theory Lesson II: Modes of Melodic Minor
- Positioning Lesson II: Shape Shifting
- Applying Modes to Chords
- “Nights Like This” Melodic Minor Etude
- Assignment #2: Applied Melodic Minor
Part 3: ii–V–I Applications & Wrap-Up
- Theory Lesson III: Melodic Minor and the ii–V–I
- “Stellar” Melodic Minor Etude
- Assignment #3: Melodic Minor & The ii–V–I
- Positioning Lesson III: Combined Positions
- Theory Lesson IV: Stella By Starlight Applied Melodic Minor Approaches
- “Eventide” Melodic Minor Etude
- Final Concert Assignment
About the Author
Ryan Dillahay
Ryan Dillahay brings years of real-world performance experience to Fret Dojo, shaped by his studies with Barry Greene at the University of North Florida, where he graduated in 2023. A passionate performer and educator, Ryan shares jazz with clarity, enthusiasm, and a focus on accessibility.
Growing up, Ryan was inspired by guitar legends like Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan before discovering his love for jazz through Pat Metheny, George Benson, and Pat Martino. Based in Jacksonville, he performs regularly with his trio and in larger ensembles.
His teaching emphasizes practical improvisation, harmonic understanding, and musical expression — making even advanced jazz concepts feel understandable and fun.
Ready to bring modern color and sophistication into your jazz solos?
Get instant access to Secrets of Melodic Minor and start transforming your improvisation today.