Curious about playing jazz or blues on the piano? Learn about some of the essential scales to learn in this guest post by Augustine, FL piano teacher Heather L...
In order to become a successful jazz or blues pianist, you must learn the essential scales. These scales will help you to create smooth and melodic lines over chord progressions, and will give you a greater understanding of how to solo over these styles of music.
In this blog post, we will discuss the major scale, the minor scale, the ii-V-I progression, and how to solo over each one. Are you ready to learn? Let’s get started!
What Scales Do They Use in Jazz?
While there are many different scales that can be used in jazz, some of the most popular include the:
- Blues scale
- Major and minor pentatonic scales
- Bebop scale
Each of these scales has a distinct sound that can be used to create a wide range of melodies. For example, the blues scale is often used to create sad or nostalgic tunes, while the major and minor pentatonic scales are more commonly used for happy or upbeat songs.
Ultimately, the scale that a jazz musician chooses to use is up to their personal preference, and they may even use multiple scales in a single piece of music.
The best way to master these scales is to sign up for piano lessons. You’ll learn scales, plus what you see in the video below (and much more!):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wQ1ZXph1HI
Best Scales for Jazz
Jazz music has been called the only truly American art form, born and raised on this very soil. A combination of the historical music forms of both African and Caribbean slaves and European immigrants, it may be the only way in which the “melting pot” objective was ever successful. To listen to jazz is to listen to America. For pianists, it can be a challenging and illusive genre. Many classically trained piano players never even attempt to learn it, while some would love to try, but just don’t know how. There are essential scales that jazz and blues players should know.
While jazz and blues (considered a sub-genre of jazz) may sometimes sound complex, it’s built very simply from the bottom up, so to speak. Major and minor scales and chords are most certainly used, but some things must be different in order for it not to sound like anything else. Here’s a list of essential scales for jazz and blues piano players. When you read “played over ______ chords,” it simply means to play the scales indicated in either hand while playing a chord in the other. Try different combinations, like playing a chord in the right hand, while playing a scale in the left.
The following scales are often considered essential scales for jazz improvisation:
G blues scale
G Bb C Db D F G
C blues scale
C Eb F Gb G Bb C
Lydian mode scale
C D E F# G A B C
Mixolydian mode scale
C D E F G A Bb C
The following scales are best played over minor chords.
Aeolian mode scale
C D Eb F G Ab Bb A
Dorian mode scale
C D Eb F G A Bb C
The following scales are just fun!
Dominant Bebop Scale
C E G B C B Bb A G (then descend) F E D C
Major Bebop Scale
C E G B C B A Ab G (then descend) F E D C
Lydian Dominant Scale
C E G Bb C (then descend) Bb A G F# E D C
Learning Jazz Scales for Piano
Get creative. The real idea here is not just to play the scales ascending and descending, but to improvise using the notes of the scales. The more that you practice these essential scales for jazz and blues piano players, the more comfortable that you’ll feel playing them and the more sounds that you’ll create. I’ve met plenty of people who’ve told me that they “can’t” improvise or play jazz, and while I know that some people have natural gifts, I also know that the best work hard. Oh, and have fun, too!
What Scales to Use Over Jazz Blues?
Jazz blues progressions are some of the most fun to solo over. They are versatile enough to be played in a variety of styles, from laid back and cool to up-tempo and energetic.
When it comes to choosing scales, there are a few different options that will work well over a jazz blues progression.
The first is the minor pentatonic scale. This scale is commonly used in blues and rock, and it sounds great when played with a bit of distortion. The second option is the major pentatonic scale. This scale has a brighter sound than the minor pentatonic, and it can add a bit of sparkle to your soloing.
Finally, the blues scale is always a good choice when soloing over a jazz blues progression. This scale provides a slightly different flavor than the minor or major pentatonic scales, and it can really help you to nail that classic blues sound.
So, when it comes to choosing scales for your next jazz blues solo, don’t be afraid to experiment with different options until you find the sound that you’re looking for.
Jazz Scales, Chords, Arpeggios, and Exercises for Jazz Improvisation
When it comes to playing jazz, improvisation is key. But in order to improvise effectively, you need to have a strong foundation in the basics. That’s where scales, chords, and arpeggios come in.
By learning how to play these essential elements of music, you’ll be better equipped to create your own original solos. And with a little practice, you’ll be improvising like a pro in no time.
Scales
Scales are the building blocks of all music, and there are many different types of scales used in jazz. The most common type of scale is the major scale, which consists of eight notes. To improvise using a major scale, start by picking a starting note (also called the root note). From there, simply play each note in the scale in ascending or descending order. Once you’re familiar with the sound of the major scale, you can begin experimenting with other types of scales, such as the minor scale or the blues scale.
Jazz Chords
Chords are another important element of jazz improvisation. A chord is simply two or more notes played together. Like scales, there are many different types of chords used in jazz. The most common type of chord is the triad, which consists of three notes played simultaneously. To create a triad, simply stack two thirds on top of the root note.
For example, if the root note is C, you would stack two thirds on top of it: E and G. This forms a C major triad. You can also create minor triads by stacking a flat third on top of the root note: E-flat and G. Experiment with different combinations of thirds to create different chords.
Arpeggios
Arpeggios are simply chords that are played one note at a time instead of all at once. To play an arpeggio, simply pick a chord and then play each note in the chord individually. Arpeggios are a great way to add variety to your solos and can be used to create both simple and complex melodies.
Jazz Exercises
Exercises are essential for building technique and improving your jazz improvisation skills. One simple exercise is to play scales up and down the neck of your instrument.
Start by picking a scale (such as the major scale) and then playing each note in ascending order from the lowest note on your instrument up to the highest note (and back down again). As you get comfortable with this exercise, try experimenting with different speeds and rhythms. You can also try playing scales in other positions on your instrument (higher up on the neck for higher notes or lower down for lower notes).
Another helpful exercise is to practice soloing over chord progressions.
Find a recording of a standard jazz chord progression (such as II-V-I) and practice soloing over it using various scales and arpeggios. With enough practice, you’ll develop your own unique style of jazz improvisation.”
Pentatonic Scales for Jazz Improvisation
Pentatonic scales are a key tool for jazz improvisation. By focusing on the five notes within a scale, rather than the seven notes of a traditional major or minor scale, pentatonic scales provide a simpler, more manageable framework for improvising.
Pentatonic scales also have a distinctive sound that can add flavor to your playing. When using pentatonic scales for improvisation, it’s important to experiment and find the sound that works best for you.
There are many different ways to approach improvisation, and there is no one “right” way to do it. The important thing is to have fun and explore the possibilities that pentatonic scales offer. With a little practice, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to add pentatonic scales into your jazz improvisation.
Final Recommendations
In order to improve your jazz or blues piano skills, it’s important to practice regularly and understand the essential scales. These tips will help you get started with practicing the right scales and improving your overall playing.
We hope you take advantage of our piano lessons today and sign up for more in-depth instruction soon.
Heather L. teaches singing, piano, acting, and more in Saint Augustine, FL, as well as through online lessons. She is a graduate of the prestigious Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, and has performed with the New York and Royal Philharmonics, the New Jersey and Virginia Symphonies, the American Boy Choir, and the internationally renowned opera star Andrea Bocelli. Learn more about Heather here!
Photo by ataelw
Suzy S.