Melodic minor and Dorian scales

Understanding Minor Scales in Jazz

So, although you played a minor chord in Eau de Cologne, we haven't actually done anything in a minor key yet. If you've had classical piano lessons, you'll probably be familiar with the melodic minor.

Melodic Minor Scale

• The melodic minor is exactly the same as a major scale with a minor third.
• For example, C major with an E flat.

In jazz, the same scale is played in both directions; we don't have a different form for the descending scale.

Triads in the Melodic Minor Scale

Now, let's look at the triads that you get in that scale:

• I chord: Minor
• IV chord: Will have an A natural in
• V chord (G chord): Will have a B natural in from the scale

So, the IV and V chords are both major.

Dorian Minor Scale

Another frequently used scale in jazz is the Dorian minor, which is the same as the melodic minor, but with a flat 7.

• You could also think of that as a major scale, like C major, but with:
  • A flat 3
  • A B7

Triads for Dorian Minor

Now, let's look at the triads that you find on I, IV, and V:

• I chord: C minor (that's obviously a given for a minor key)
• IV chord: F major
• V chord: Because of the B flat, the V chord will now be minor.

So, we have:

• C minor
• IV: Major
• V: Minor

Conclusion

The melodic and Dorian minor scales are just two of the minor scales in common use. In fact, minor harmony offers much more choice than major keys, where there are few alternatives to the major scale.

Next Tune: Soulful Step
The next tune, Soulful Step, is based on the one minor and four chords present in both these scales. Notice I'm playing the F now as a second inversion to keep it next door to the C.

We might even play it like this, just to create a bit of a groove.