Jazz Piano Scales & Modes (2024)

Scales & Modes

The major and minor scales are an essential step in learning jazz piano. They provide a pool of notes for you to choose from when improvising and set the foundations for further modal scale study.

Major Scales All 12 Keys

The 12 major scales provide the foundation for further scales study. Learn these scales thoroughly so that you can play them by memory.

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36 Minor Scales PDF

There are 3 types of minor scale: natural minor, melodic minor and harmonic minor. Each scale has a different use and application in jazz piano.

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Major Pentatonic Scales PDF

The major pentatonic scale is built from the 1, 2, 3, 5 & 6 degrees of the major scale. It’s used for improvisation and also to build chord voicings.

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Minor Pentatonic Scales PDF

Listen to McCoy Tyner and John Coltrane to get an understanding of the types of sounds created through improvising with pentatonic scales.

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Half Whole Diminished Scales PDF

The half-whole diminished scale is an 8 note symmetrical scale. It’s played over altered dominant chords and has tensions b9, #9 & #11.

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How To Swing Lesson Supplement

This is a supplement to lesson on “How To Play Swing Rhythm”. If you come from a classical background you will need to work on swing feel.

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The Modes Of The Major Scale

A mode is essentially a scale with an exotic name. We can derive 7 modes from the major scale which can be used for improvisation in major keys.

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The Modes Of The Melodic Minor

Also known as the ‘jazz minor scale’, these modes are exotic sounding scales that can be substituted in place of less interesting harmonies.

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Walking Bass Lines Supplement

This is a supplement for the lesson on walking bass. We explore how to walk that bass in your left hand up basic triad shapes and scale fragments.

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In-Depth Lessons on Jazz Piano Scales & Modes

To play and improvise jazz piano, you must have a good knowledge of jazz piano scales and jazz piano modes. On this page you can find full length video lessons which cover all of the essential theory. If you are new to jazz piano, check out the lessons on the major and minor scales.

What Is A Jazz Scale?

A jazz scale is a series of notes that can be used when playing jazz. There are many different types of scales that can be used for jazz improvisation. Some jazz scales are from Western European Classical music including the diatonic major and minor scales, the diminished scales and the whole tone scales. There are also many other types of scales used in jazz such as the pentatonic and blues scales, bebob scales and other modal scales.

Jazz Piano Scales For Beginners

If you are just starting out with jazz piano scale study, the first step is to learn the 12 major scales. Many of the interesting and exotic sounding modes can be derived from the major scale and so spending adequate time to memorise them will give you strong foundations for further scale study. Whilst there is only 1 type of major scale, there are 3 types of minor scale: the natural minor scale, the melodic minor scale and the harmonic minor scale.

It’s important that you understand how to construct each minor scale and also understand the uses and application in jazz piano. The natural minor scale is simply the major scale played from the 6th to the 6th degree. Eg. just start the C Major Scale on the 6th note and you will be playing the A Natural Minor Scale.

The Melodic Minor Scale is used to create more interesting melodic possibilities when playing in minor keys. The modes of the melodic minor scale can also be substituted into major harmony to access more exotic sounding extensions and alterations. The Melodic minor scale is only one note different to the major scale… simply flatten the 3rd of the major scale. Understanding this relationship will help you visualise the melodic minor scale.

The Harmonic Minor Scale is used to create more interesting harmonic possibilities in minor keys. When we construct a minor 251 progression, the V chord is always built from the Harmonic Minor Scale. This ensures that the V chord is dominant in quality which creates a strong and convincing sense of resolution to the I chord.

In addition to the lessons on the major and minor scales, you can also download PDFs containing the scales in all 12 keys. Firstly download the major scale in all 12 keys PDF. By all means, use the notation to speed up the learning process but try to commit these scales to your memory as soon as possible. Also ensure that you learn the scales numerically as this will help you greatly with further scale study. An additional PDF can be downloaded which contains the 3 types of minor scale.

Jazz Piano Scales For Improvisation

Scales and modes are used extensively in jazz for improvisation and melodic development. Try not to look at scales as a linear set of notes as this can result in aimlessly running up and down the scale which is not very musical or creative. Instead, scales offer you an ‘available set of notes’ that you can play over a chord. The relationship between chords and scales is called chord scale theory.

Chord Scale Theory

Every chord implies a scale, or in many cases multiple scales. This relationship is called Chord Scale Theory. As a jazz musician, you have the creative freedom to choose and select chord scales based on the type of sound you want to produce. Modal scales are derived from the major and minor scales and are used in jazz for soloing and improvisation. Learning the major and minor modes gives you a pool of notes to improvise over any chord symbol.

The Modes Of The Major Scale

The major modes cheat sheet provides the formulas for each of the major modes in relation to the major scale. Memorising and understanding these formulas will allow you to quickly and easily find the 7 major modes of all 12 keys.

The Modes Of The Melodic Minor Scale

Download the melodic minor modes cheat sheet which gives you the formulas for quickly constructing more exotic sounding chord scales. 4 of the melodic minor modes are commonly used and these are highlighted in green.

Blues & Pentatonic Scales

Pentatonic scales exist in both major and minor keys and provide a good starting point for learning to improvise.Pentatonic scales are particularly useful in a modal setting when playing over 1 chord for an extended period of time.

Listen to the masters of jazz piano such as McCoy Tyner and John Coltrane to get an understanding of the types of sounds created through improvising with pentatonic scales.

Symmetrical Jazz Piano Scales

The half-whole diminished scale is an 8 note symmetrical scale. The scale alternates half and whole steps until the scale starts again. The scale can be played over dominant chords and has the tensions b9, #9 & #11.

Filters

Brazilian Grooves Course

Learn the groove of authentic Brazilian Samba & Bossa Nova piano. Taught by 3–time Latin Grammy nominee and master pianist Jovino Santos Neto.

‘Georgia’ – Bluesy Stride Course

Learn the tune “Georgia On My Mind” in the soulful style of Ray Charles, starting with the most basic arrangement techniques and gradually increasing the complexity.

Reading Lead Sheets For Beginners

This course will get you reading lead sheets as quickly as possible. We explore “Moon River” & “Fly Me To The Moon” which are perfect tunes for jazz piano newbies.

Solo Bossa Nova For Beginners

We explore the chord voicings, baselines and rhythms and then we add these 3 components together to create our first Bossa Nova groove.

Jazz Piano Foundations Course

Master the foundational principles of jazz piano including major and minor scales, intervals, triads, 7th chords, spread voicings, and the mighty 251 progression.

Slow Blues Piano For Beginners

If you’re new to the blues, start here! You will learn the 12 bar blues form, basic voicings, how to count the slow blues, filling in space, and improvisation drills and exercises.

Jovino’s 5-Minute Masterclasses

Jovino’s 5-Minute Masterclasses tutorials are short, concise, and actionable lessons covering jazz and music theory with a Brazilian twist.

Reading Lead Sheets: Key of Bb

In this course we explore the key of Bb Major. We start with beginner theory exercises and then we arrange the jazz standards: “My Foolish Heart” and “Autumn Leaves”.

Learn to play the slow blues in the key of C. We cover the basic chord changes, and then explore chord substitutions and improvisation over the 12 bar blues form.

Jon Cleary’s Blues Masterclass

Learn to play the 12 bar blues & 8 bar blues with Grammy winner Jon Cleary. Explore shuffle patterns, walking bass, licks, passing chords, turnarounds & improvisation.

Brazilian Grooves Volume II

This course explores the sounds, rhythms, & subtle nuances of Brazilian music. Continue your piano journey studying the colourful music of Brazil.

Reading Lead Sheets: Eb Major

Master the key of Eb Major with these theory and jazz standard tutorials. You’ll learn common progressions and the tunes “Misty”, “Tenderly”, & “Over The Rainbow”.

Explore the history and development of New Orleans Piano with Grammy winner Jon Cleary. We cover 12/8 Grooves, Rhumba & Habanera Grooves, Blues, & Funk styles.

Triads: Non-Linear Improvisation

In this course we explore the use of triads for melodic creativity and improvisation. This concept was taught to Jovino by his mentor Hermeto Pascoal.

Introduction to Jazz Modulations

Discover the basics of jazz modulation in this beginner-friendly course. Learn how to navigate key changes with confidence and improve your jazz piano modulation skills.

X-mas Jazz Piano For Beginners

A selection of beginner jazzy X-mas songs for you to play and perform over the holidays. Learn how to create beautifully jazzy versions of your favourite X-mas tunes.

Brazilian Choro Course

In this course we explore choro; one of Brazil’s most popular music genres. We examine the basic choro groove and cover 2 famous choro compositions.

Soulful Gospel Blues Piano Course

In this course we explore harmony and voicings, guidance for playing hymns, and improvisation techniques for jazz standards, gospel hymns, and church songs.

Gospel Piano Masterclass Course

In this course we explore gospel chord progressions, hymns, time signatures, introductions, leading tones, holy shout music, and vocal accompaniment.

The Art Of Composition

The 3 essential components of composing music are melody, harmony, and rhythm. A good composition will contain all three of these elements.

Beginner Jazz Arrangements

Expand your jazz piano repertoire with these simple but beautiful arrangements of some of the most famous and well-known jazz standards.

Introduction To Chicago Blues

In this step-by-step course we cover the blues form, bass lines, shuffle patterns, chord voicings, turnarounds & improv. Learn to play authentic Chicago Blues piano.

Whole Step 251 Exercises

Practicing whole step 251s allows us to clearly visualise and execute sophisticated voicings, fills, and ornamentation for 251 progressions all 12 keys.

An in-depth study of rootless chord voicings;we create rootless 251 progressions in major and minor keys & apply to 3 well-know jazz standards.

12 Bar Blues Improvisation Course

We explore the core elements of improvisation such as: chord tone soloing, approach patterns, target tones and chromatic passing tones.

Jazzy Christmas Piano Lessons

A selection of well-known festive arrangements. Share these jazzy Christmas tunes with your friends and family over the holiday season.

Boogie-Woogie Piano Course

If you’re looking at this course, there’s a good chance it’s because you’ve heard boogie-woogie, and it immediately lit up something inside you. Welcome.

How To Accompany Singers

“How To Accompany Singers” is a vocal accompaniment course taught by Lyndol Descant – singer, jazz pianist, and composer based in Brooklyn, NYC.   

Introduction To Hammond Organ

Learn to play the F Jazz Blues using the Hammond Organ. We explore the B3’s anatomy & controls, walking bass lines, comping, turnarounds, & improvisation.

The Minor Blues Progression

We use the minor blues progression to explore pentatonic, blues scale, and modal improvisation. We apply these concepts to the famous tune “Mr P.C.”

Designed for new students; we explore how to best use the PianoGroove website, the video player, and learning materials to supercharge your jazz piano journey.

‘Misty’ – Cocktail Piano Improv

Learn how to play and improvise in the cocktail piano style. We cover chord voicings, chord progressions, and improvisation techniques for solo jazz piano.

New Orleans Piano Legends

Study the unique piano style of the New Orleans piano legend James Booker. We explore his harmonies, chord voicings and improvisational techniques.

In this course we explore stride drills for beginners, harmonising and reharmonising the melody, adding runs and fills, and techniques for improvisation and soloing.

‘Sentimental Mood’ – Easy Improv

Learn the nuances of minor harmony and improvisation using “In A Sentimental Mood”. We explore the 3 minor scales and their roles in improvisation.

This course explores the altered chord tones: b9s, #9s, #11s, and #5s / b13s. We then create upper structure triads and apply to 4 famous jazz standards.

Chord substitutions allow you to add interesting variations to a common progression. We explore tritone subs, suspended chords & passing chords.

Hayden’s 5-Minute Masterclasses

In this series of short and concise tutorials, Hayden shares his knowledge of jazz harmony and tricks and tips when arranging for solo jazz piano.

In this course we continue our exploration into the jazzy Xmas song repertoire covering chord voicings, reharmonisation, and improvisation.

Functional Harmony Course

Expand your knowledge of functional harmony. We explore common voicings and progressions and then apply this information to well-known jazz standards.

Introductions are used to set the mood of a performance. We explore the theory and formulas and create killer intros for a number of jazz standards.

Arranging For Solo Jazz Piano

In this course we explore a range of voicings for major, minor and dominant chords. This will help you build full, solo piano arrangements.

Learn how to sing and play jazz standards with Lyndol Descant. Lyndol is a singing pianist, composer, and educator based in Brooklyn, NYC.

Jazz Improvisation Tutorials

Learn advanced improvisation concepts from award wining jazz pianist Tuomo Uusitalo. These lessons cover scales, transcription, and improvised lines.

Jazz Harmony Masterclasses

Learn advanced jazz piano harmony with one of NYCs finest jazz piano players. Tuomo shares his insight on chords, scales, progressions, & improvisation.

Advanced Improvisation Course

In this 6 lesson course, we’ll explore Tonal Harmony & Related Dominants with a unique approach to improvising over the Dominant – Tonic relationship.

Solo Jazz Piano Arrangements

This course contains intermediate to advanced level jazz standard arrangements. These arrangements are all for solo jazz piano performance.

Jazz Piano Legends Series

Study the styles of the 7 most influential jazz pianists of all time: Bill Evans, Bud Powell, Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Thelonious Monk, Oscar Peterson, & Wynton Kelly.

Jazz piano comping and improvisation studies on the most famous jazz standards. Learn techniques for comping and improv on standards, blues, and modal tunes.

This course covers the foundations of jazz improvisation. We explore scales, arpeggios, chord tones, enclosures, approach patterns & swing rhythm.

This course covers walking bass, blues and gospel inspired jazz standards. We introduce the major blues scale to add soulful licks to your arrangements.

How To Play In A Jazz Band

These lessons will prepare you for playing in a jazz band so that you know what to expect, and what is expected of you. Learn to comp and take a solo!

Block chords and drop 2 style voicings were used extensively by jazz pianists such as George Shearing, Bill Evans, Barry Harris and Red Garland.

Diminished Harmony is a huge area of study for jazz piano. Diminished Scales are versatile scales that are used extensively in jazz improvisation.

A course dedicated to elegant stride for jazz ballads. We use the harmonically rich tune “Body & Soul” to explore stride, melodic embellishment, fills, runs, and improvisation.

Cuban Grooves Piano Course

Learn to play Cuban piano styles with Latin Grammy nominee Elio Villafranca. We explore the clave, cascara, montuno patterns, mambo, and cha-cha-cha.