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Choosing Chord Scales

Back to Scales & Modes For Improv course
 
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How To Choose Chord Scales

This lesson introduces a 2-step process for identifying potential chord scales and then we apply the approach to the jazz standard Blue in Green.

Before attempting to improvise over a jazz standard, it’s a very good idea to identify which chord scales will work over the chords in the progression. By doing this you will be able to figure out what scale and notes are available to you for improvisation.

In this lesson we walk through the process of analysing the chord symbol, the melody note, and look other visual clues to identify the most relevant chord scale.

Download a copy of the Blue in Green Chord Scale Analysis worksheet.

This worksheet has the melody and chords of blue and green on top and the chord scales for the same chords underneath.

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    Melodic Minor Modes Cheat Sheet File Type: pdf

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    “Blue in Green” Modal Scale Choices File Type: pdf

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    Major Mode Cheat Sheet File Type: pdf

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Practice Tips

  • Practicing chord scale analysis in the context of jazz standards is the best way to learn and master modal theory.

  • Pay attention to how I analyse each chord type and the visual clues I am looking for.

  • Experiment! Try out different modes and see what works and what doesn't work. This is a process of discovery.

Comments

4 Comments
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  1. Paul Ling says

    September 30, 2019 at 2:47 pm

    Hi Hayden, I looked at both the Major Mode and the Minor Mode Cheat Sheet but I couldn’t find the half whole diminished scale that you used for F7b9. I understand that you purposely did not flat the 13 since the melody calls for a natural 13, but what is the formula for half whole diminished scale?

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    • Hayden Hill says

      October 2, 2019 at 8:40 am

      Hi Paul 👋

      Check out the forum threads we have on diminished harmony:

      pianogroove.com/community/t/diminished-scale-theory/1675

      and

      pianogroove.com/community/t/all-about-diminished/3179

      There is lots of very useful information in there which should answer all of your questions.

      Any further questions we can continue the discussion in the forum.

      Cheers,
      Hayden

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  2. Natasha Moszenin says

    February 9, 2020 at 7:17 am

    Hi Hayden, this analysis of the chord scales is something I have been looking for. I got so inspired, that I worked through My Foolish Heart, and worked out the chord scales in that tune.
    It’s a great way to have enough material to improvise with.

    Many thanks
    Natasha

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