C - D - E - F - G - A - B change to D - E - F - G - A - B - C and become Dorian. If we take the C Major Scale and play it in the Dorian Mode, what happens is that the notes remain the same, but the starting point is altered. Therefore, if you know the major scales you will have an easier job to memorize each of the modes. The Modal scales will probably be kind of complicated in the beginning, but the thing is: they are really just variations of Major scales starting on another degree (the Major Scale is the parent scale). In theory, these scales are rather modus (‘interval’ in Latin), but we will use either “scales” or “modes” as terms. Here are the modal scales in the standard order: Dorian is often played over minor chords, Lydian is often played over major chords and Mixolydian is often played over dominant chords. In modern days the Modal Scales are frequently used in jazz improvisation.

The Modal Scales (often referred to as just modes) were once discovered in Ancient Greece. Nine Tone Scales – sometimes used for jazz improvising. Super Locrian Scales – common for modern jazz. This guide will include Bebop Scales, Modal Scales and Jazz Minor scales.īebop Scales – great for soloing or improvising in jazz. F, Bb, Eb and Ab are all common keys in jazz since they work well for brass instrument. But there are typical scales used in jazz as this overview shows. In this example, the V is changed with the b13 (Eb) which transforms into the major third of Cmaj7 (E).There is not a single group of scales that can be called jazz scales – a jazz pianist uses lots of different scales. However, the V chord will undergo a few changes. There is no change for the minor (II) and the major (I) chords. This will create tension, and an imbalance of the V7 chord which should resolve to the I chord to release this tension.

It means that we will add altered notes not present in the original scale (the major scale). The next step is looking into another important jazz chord progression – the V7 as an altered chord (Valt or V7alt). Although, only playing notes can be boring in the long run. It’s a smooth introduction to jazz comping. Jazz Chord Progressions The V Chord of a ii-V-IĪs seen above, the II-V-I progression is very easy to play.

Summertime (A-7, D7) Sometimes the II -V doesn’t resolve to the I.

Examples of Jazz Standards That Use II-V-I Progressions

Piano jazz chord chart