Easy Scale Switching for Jazz Guitar Improvisation

Mastering Jazz Guitar: The Fun and Engaging Way to Apply Scales Properly

Hey there, fellow guitar enthusiasts! 🎸 Welcome to this exciting blog post on applying scales properly in your jazz guitar playing. If you've ever felt stuck knowing the scales but struggling to play good lines, you're not alone. Many students face this challenge, and today, we're going to tackle it head-on. Let's dive into a fun and informative journey to unlock the secrets of jazz improvisation!

The Common Struggle

One of the key elements I often hear from students is, "I've learned the scales, but I can't play good lines." They know the pitches and modes but struggle to create a compelling solo. What's up with that? Well, in this post, I've prepared a little demo and a few exercises that will help you implement scales straight up on a form to the song "You Stepped Out of a Dream." It's a great tune with 32 bars and a bunch of scales to apply. You'll see how we can go beyond just basic arpeggios and develop horn-like lines with passing tones, chromaticism, and altered scales.

The Issue of Scale Switching

The first issue we're addressing is scale switching. People often say, "I listen to Coltrane records, and there's no way he's mentally switching scales for every chord." But guess what? He is! Jazz musicians do this, and while it may seem scary, it can be done. The key is to make the task as simple as possible.

The Simple Recipe

We simplify the process by building a single scale on each of the three following qualities: major, minor, and dominant. That's it! Here's the secret sauce:

1. Major Scale: Start on the fifth or fourth string and learn the scale up to the seventh degree. For example, with a C major scale, count 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and place the strong tones right on the beats.

2. Minor Scale: Find a fingering that works for you. For instance, for a B flat minor, use your pinky and start with the B flat note, playing B flat Dorian.

3. Dominant Scale: Use a Mixolydian scale. For example, for an E flat dominant, play a straight-up Mixolydian scale.

Applying Scales to the Song

Let's apply these scales to the song "You Stepped Out of a Dream." We'll go through the form, switching scales for each chord. Here's a step-by-step approach:

1. Major Scale: Play the scale ascending and descending, ensuring it's placed correctly in the bar.

2. Minor Scale: Use the Dorian mode for minor chords, starting on the fourth or fifth string.

3. Dominant Scale: Use the Mixolydian mode for dominant chords.

Implementation and Practice

Now, let's implement these scales in real-time. We'll practice at different tempos, starting slow and gradually increasing the speed. Here's the plan:

1. 100 BPM: Play the scales in eight notes, ascending and descending.

2. 116 BPM: Repeat the scales, maintaining accuracy and timing.

3. 132 BPM: Improvise within the scales, creating musical lines.

Advanced Tips

For more advanced players, consider implementing altered scales and other modes. For example, for a Gb dominant chord, use a Gb Mixolydian scale with a raised fourth. This adds a unique flavor to your improvisation.

Join the Jazz Guitar Community

If you're looking for more guidance and support, join our Jazz Guitar Fellowship. It's a free community of over 2400 jazz guitarists, where you can submit videos, get feedback, and access tons of creative training. It's a fantastic way to stay motivated and improve your playing.

Final Thoughts

Applying scales properly is the beginning of making music. It's about being harmonically correct and finding a simple system that works for you. Remember, you don't need to learn every position and every key. Focus on one or two places and make sure the scales are under your fingers.

If this seems overwhelming, set it up as a milestone. It could be a 3-month or 6-month goal. Your playing will be transformed if you take this approach and apply it to a handful of standards. It's about building vocabulary and making meaningful musical statements.

So, grab your guitar, follow these steps, and start making some jazz magic happen! 🎶

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