Scale dictionary

[Suckbird]

So i know the 3minor scales the 7modes of a major scale, pentatonic scales and the blues scale.

But i dont know which scale that fits over certain chord.

Of course i know where the minor scales fits but not the 7modes of a major scale, and the blues scale..

I read somewhere that the mixolydian scale fits over -7 chords but i like to use it when i'm doing a small run down the neck over major chords..

[Jazzin']

Well mixolydian scales usually fit over the X7 chords. While dorian/aeolian are the two most common minor scales to work over the X-7 / Xmin7 chords. But usually what sounds best is what's best.

There's also 4 different minor scales in the 7 modes of the major scale: Dorian, Aeolian, Phrygian and Locrian.

[Bryan R. Tyler]

Originally Posted by Jazzin'

There's also 4 different minor scales in the 7 modes of the major scale: Dorian, Aeolian, Phrygian and Locrian.

There's three minor scales- Locrian is diminished.

[Bryan R. Tyler]

Suckbird, if you can pick up the book "5 String Bass-Complete Book of Scales, Modes, And Chords" by Brian Emmel, it goes over each scale thoroughly and has a list at the beginning of each scale of which chords each particular scale sounds best over. The book sells for about $10 online.

Lots of books have this info, but I like this one because it's simplified, has lots of info, and has large print.

[jadesmar]

The key is to find the (I) chord in a progression (or find the key signature).

For example the Dm chord has 3 different major scale modes or the major scale associated with it depending on the Key signature.

So for Dm we have something like

Key = C major, Dm is the 2nd degree hence, a Dorian Mode
Key = Bb major, Dm is the 3rd degree hence, a Phrygian Mode
Key = F major, Dm is the 6th degree hence, an Aeolian or Nat. Minor

If you are not given a key signature, look for the following:

two major chords a tone apart, these are generally the (IV) and (V7)

two major chords a semi-tone apart, generally the V and VI of a harmonic minor

[slybass3000]

Well, you have to be careful with modes because they have very specific use for them. It's not because you see a dominant chord(X7) that you can use a Mixo for an example. It all depend on the situation,what is going before the chord and after. It implies a good knowledge of harmony and theory.

For a fast guide line on modes I would say that a Major progression like
I-IV-V (C-F-G7) or II-V-I (Dmin7-G7-CMaj7) will be based on modes from the C major scale. And, for a prog. like Imin-IVmin-V7(Cmin-Fmin-G7) or IImin7(b5)-V7 -Imin (Dmin7(b5)-G7-Cmin) will be based on modes from the C minor harmonic scale.
It is very important to play the right scale on the proper chord.
That is very true on dominant chords.
Hope this will help,
SB