Liquid Amber in E Minor: Exploring Melodic Minor Scale

Overview

In this lesson, we will explore the potential of the melodic minor scale in the context of Liquid Amber in E minor.

Review of the E Minor Scale

• Ascending the harmonic minor scale introduces an augmented second which disrupts the smoothness of scale steps.

• In the melodic minor scale:

  • Ascend:
    • At the sixth degree, replace the C with a C#.
    • This creates a major sixth and continues to the major seventh.
  • Descend:
    • Return to the minor seventh, then minor sixth.

The Blues Element

• By adding the blues flattened fifth, we can create interesting harmonies. For example:

  • In a B chord, combine:
    • D# and D
    • Include C natural in the melody before transitioning to an E minor 6th chord with a C#.

• For more on these harmonic relations, refer to my Volume 1 Essentials DVD, which contains a lesson on the tune Private Dick.

Main Melody of Liquid Amber

• Opening Melody:

  • Walk down the bass line while spreading the melody across four strings: B, G, F#, E.
  • Use three adjacent scale tones on adjacent strings.

• Bass and Melody Interaction:

  • As the melody ascends, the bass line will move in contrary motion.
  • Settle on an A first inversion chord, then progress to C7, B, and conclude on a B augmented chord.

• Swing Repeat:

  • Repeat the rhythm with a more swinging feel, leading back down to E minor.

Second Section Details

• Transition over an A minor chord:

  • Voiced with an A minor shape and a hint of A minor 6 an octave higher.

• Progression includes:

  • E minor 6, B augmented 7 sharp 9, then flat 9.
  • Incorporate the bass note when needed.

• Connecting Licks:

  • Introduce melodic slides into E minor while the bass moves down.
  • Shift to C7 chord, bending to A7 where G and C# form a tritone.
  • Follow through to F#7 flat 9, then B7, and up the octave to an E minor 9 with a major 7.

Solo Section

• Alternate between A minor and E minor with variations:
  • Example chords include A minor 7, A minor with major 7th and 9.
  • Use colorful chords within the harmonic progressions, maintaining a minor 2 - E minor feel.

Coda Section

• Lead into the coda with a harmonic flourish:

  • Pick the harmonic on the third string of the 12th fret, touching with the index finger then plucking with the thumb.
  • Combine with a hammer-on to the second fret of the first string followed by a pull-off.

• Repeat the sequence while moving down the A string, ending with a harmonic on the 12th fret of the bottom E.

Improvised Ending

• The final section involves improvisation over a descending bass line from A, E, D, G#, C#, and C.
• Create flowing melodies, leveraging the dissonance of notes like D bass with a D# on top within the context of the melodic minor.

Conclusion

This lesson provides insights into the melodic minor scale in E minor, offering creative ways to enrich your musical expression.