Why don't stick to the regular Major scales? It is true that the notes are the same in modes as in Major scales, but not the note order and that makes a big difference. Here is a complete overview of the modus of C Major:Īeolian: The tonic change to A (this is identical with the A Minor Scale). 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. There is not a single group of scales that can be called jazz scales – a jazz pianist uses lots of different scales.

Jazz piano chords chart