Jazz Scales

What Is A Jazz Scale?
Jazz scales are used by improvisers to convey complex harmonies common in Jazz.

The names of the jazz scales imply that they are based on the modes, with certain scale degrees altered. If you know the modes you can learn the jazz scales.

The jazz scales are based on the ascending melodic minor scale. Just as the modes were based on the major scale starting on different scale degrees, the jazz scales are based on the melodic minor scale, starting on different scale degrees.

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Dorian Flat 2
The Dorian Flat 2 scale starts on the second scale degree of a melodic minor scale and ascends an octave.

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Lydian Sharp 5
The Lydian Sharp 5 scale starts on the third scale degree of a melodic minor scale and ascends an octave.

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Mixolydian Sharp 4
The Mixolydian Sharp 4 scale starts on the fourth scale degree of a melodic minor scale and ascends an octave.

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Mixolydian Flat 6
The Mixolydian Flat 6 scale starts on the fifth scale degree of a melodic minor scale and ascends an octave.

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Minor Flat 5
The minor Flat 5 scale starts on the sixth scale degree of a melodic minor scale and ascends an octave.

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Locrian Flat 4
The Locrian Flat 4 scale starts on the seventh scale degree of a melodic minor scale and ascends an octave.

This scale is sometimes called the Super Locrian or Diminished Whole Tone scale.

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