These are the basic scales you can use as pitch collections over the most common 7th chords. I won’t mention the blues scale because I don’t believe it’s the best of choices. For example, I won’t mention the different kinds of minor pentatonic scales or bebop scales you can use. It’s important to note that there are many more scales you can use and super-impose over the chords I’m listing. Here is a list of what scales you can use over 7th chords. So when it comes to jazz improvisation, think about scales as pitch collections. When I think of pitch collections, I think of a palette of notes I have to choose from in order to construct melodies. When I think of the word “scales” I think of a series of progressing notes going up or down in pitch. I like thinking of scales as pitch collections because it’s more visual. Why? Because these represent the pitch collections that can be used as note choices. That being said, it can be incredibly useful to understand what scales you can use over different kinds of chords.

I always give this disclaimer every time I give a lesson on scales: If you approach jazz improvisation with only scales on your mind, you will sound like you are playing scales, not music. Because you shouldn’t! Rather they should be used as tools to A. I don’t want someone to misunderstand that you should use scales as a primary approach for jazz improvisation. This is why I have hesitated to write this post for years! It’s not that it’s a bad question, it’s that I fear if I answer it, the student will misuse the information. I cringe a little when I get these sorts of questions. Furthermore, it can be helpful to have different ways to conceptualize how to approach different harmonic aspects presented in jazz.Ī common question I get is “what scale should I play over a….(dominant 7 chord )”. However, it’s also important to be aware of how jazz language works. These are of the utmost importance and should be a regular part of every jazz musicians practice. We do that by learning jazz solos, licks, and just listening to jazz. When it comes to jazz improvisation, it’s all about learning the jazz language.

E flat minor pentatonic scale