**Again: this is only a matter of notation.**

But if it affects the notation then it will inevitably affect the practice. Going back to the three minor scales, many students are made to practice something that makes no sense and does absolutely nothing for their musical abilities or knowledge--namely the playing of the melodic or harmonic minor ascending and then reverting back while descending.

That's not how those work. Has anyone noticed, for example, that harmonic minor has a big hole in the scale? When you sharp the 7 position, you're creating a step and half gap between 6 and 7. How do you fill it in? With a passing note such as flattening the 7th or sharpening the 6th to momentarily close the gap. Which one? Depends on the chord you're harmonizing with. Sometime you want to keep the minor sound and other times you want a major sound. And you're going to ascend and descend the same way.

And Artful, let me digest all your info and make sure I know what point you're making and get back to you. You certainly put in some effort so I want to make sure I do it justice.

**Futwick, given the strident tone and stubborn wrongheadedness of your postings, it was kinder and gentler than you deserved.**

Oh, WAHHHHHHH!!!! Would you like a little toe cheese with that whine? Open wide and I'll flick a little in.