1. Raise the seventh note of the scale by one half step (semitone).
2. Raise the sixth note of the scale by one half step as well.
Here's an example using the key of A minor:
Natural minor scale:
```
A - B♭ - C - D - E♭ - F - G
```
Melodic minor scale:
```
A - B♭ - C - D - E - F♯ - G♯
```
Notice how the 6th (F) and 7th (G) notes have been raised by a half step to become F♯ and G♯ respectively. This adjustment creates the characteristic sound of the melodic minor scale.
The melodic minor scale is commonly used in classical, jazz, and various other genres of music. It offers a more varied and expressive melodic range compared to the natural minor scale.