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How to Learn Jazz Scales

Jazz scales differ from traditional music scales, such as the minor or major. Since jazz songs have more complex chord progressions than other types of music, there are several jazz scales that go with specific chords. Learning these scales involves learning when and where to use them in jazz music.

Things You'll Need

  • Musical instrument
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Instructions

    • 1

      Learn the types of scales. According to Tamingthesaxophone.com, these include the dorian bebop, which is a Dorian scale with an added major third degree; Mixolydian bebop, a Mixolydian scale with an added major seventh; and the major bebop, which is a major scale with an added b6 degree. Dorian bebop scales match with minor seventh chords, Mixolydian scales match with dominant seventh chords and major bebop scales match with major seventh chords.

    • 2

      Practice playing each scale in a different key. Run the scales starting from a different root note to familiarize yourself with the pattern of each.

    • 3

      Play the scales in rhythm. Learn to play the scales in eighth notes with a swing rhythm, which is common to jazz music. This will make it easier to play the scales in actual songs.

    • 4

      Practice mixing the scale types. Since a typical jazz song will use many different chords, use each scale in succession. Try playing one after the other smoothly.

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