Scales

Developing fluency with all 12 major scales, using a variety of stepwise and intervallic patterns, also grows familiarity with the two next most common scales in jazz –  Dorian minor and Mixolydian scales. These three scales cover most chords one will encounter in a standard jazz repertoire.

Download or Print Module 1 – PDF #1 Major, Dorian & Mixolydian

• Practice each of these scales slowly at first with a metronome (quarter note = 92 or less).

• Practice by key or scale type
  • o For example: Practice the C Major scale, D Dorian scale and G Mixolydian scale (key) or you could practice Major scales as a group and Dorian minor scales as group.

If practicing by scale type, vary the order in which you play them. Try playing through the order of flats and sharps (C, F, Bb, Eb, etc…), by half-step (C, C#, D, etc….), or by whole step. (C, D, E, F#, Ab, Bb then C#, Eb, F, G, A, B).  Play both ascending and descending.