The Major Scale (Ionian) for Jazz ImprovisationThe Major Scale (Ionian)

The major scale serves as our “source scale,” the point of reference for its related modes. We will delve into the intricacies of this scale, explore its unique properties, and discover its role in improvisational music.

The Concept of Source Scales

In the realm of musical modes, the Ionian scale takes center stage as the most familiar and frequently employed scale. We designate it as our “source scale,” a reference point from which we derive all related modes within its group. 

Whether it’s Dorian as the 2nd mode or Lydian as the 4th mode, these modes find their origins within the Ionian scale. The choice of the source scale is primarily based on its prevalence in musical practice, and there are no intrinsic properties guiding this selection.

Understanding the Ionian Scale

Step 1 – Play the Ionian scale in all keys.

Throughout the book we will use a modulation pattern of a perfect fifth down. This is the most-often-found root movement in music.

Step 2 – To deepen our understanding of the Ionian scale, we’ll explore its structure in terms of whole and half steps. This perspective helps us navigate any scale more intuitively and utilize its degrees effectively. 

The half-whole pattern of Ionian is: W W H W W W H

This gives us all major/perfect degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7.

Chordal Implications of the Ionian Scale

Stacking notes from the Ionian scale by thirds reveals a maj7(9,11,13) chord. We’ll investigate the unique relationship between the 11th and the 3rd, understanding the dissonance they create in tonal contexts. In modal harmony, we can leverage these tensions to emphasize the Ionian sound.

Step 3 – Transformation of Maj7 to 6 Chord

The Ionian scale’s adaptability allows us to transform a maj7 chord into a 6 chord, a valuable skill in jazz improvisation. We’ll explore this transformation and its applications.

Bebop-izing the Ionian Scale

Much like Dorian and Mixolydian, we can enhance the Ionian scale by adding a chromatic passing tone between the 5th and 6th degrees, creating a Bebop scale. This alteration aligns chord tones with downbeats.

Step 4 – Play ascending bebop scales.

Step 5 – Play descending bebop scales.

The Passing Diminished Chord

By integrating all passing tones into the major Bebop scale, we form a diminished chord. This chord plays a significant role in jazz, facilitating reharmonization of passing tones. 

Step 6 – Play ascending scales using passing diminished chords.

Modal Perspective of the Ionian Scale

In a modal context, the Ionian mode presents unique challenges due to its tonal implications. We’ll focus on the characteristic tones, the 4th and 7th degrees, and explore their role in defining the modal sound.

To further our modal understanding, we’ll construct altered quartal voicings using the root, 4th, and 7th degrees. This unorthodox yet captivating sound adds depth to our Ionian explorations.

Putting It All Together

Step 7 – Combine modal quartal voicings with melodic lines. This comprehensive approach helps us grasp the full potential of the Ionian scale within the realm of improvisation in a modal context.

If you’re looking for a complete course on the modes of the major scale and how to use them for jazz improvisation, you can check out Jazz Scales & Modes Vol.1: A Guide To Improvisation available for Piano, Bass Instruments, Bb and Eb Instruments.

Learn more on mDecks.com

The vast world of South Asian percussion instruments
Learn about the history, anatomy, and sounds of South Asian percussion instruments spanning the mridangam, ghatam, chenda, and more.

5 tips for recording sample packs from Kaelin Ellis (free template included)
Multi-platinum music producer and educator Kaelin Ellis shares five tips for recording high-quality sample packs.

How to organize and revisit your ‘leftover’ music projects
From bouncing demos to revisiting your folder structures, let's explore a few techniques for making the best use of your 'leftover' project files.

The 12 best Black Friday deals for music production (2023)
We've identified 12 of the best Black Friday deals for music producers in 2023—find the best deals on audio plugin deals, virtual instruments, and more.

BMG A&R on Pub Deals, Artist Development and Signing Frank OceanThis week, Ari is joined by Tab Nkhereanye, Senior Vice President of A&R at BMG.

The Splice for Students discount is expanding to new horizons
Now, more students than ever can save over 30% off Splice when signing up with a valid .edu or .ac email address.

How to make sample chops like Daft Punk and Justice
Veteran music producer and DJ Devon Johnson walks through how to arrange chopped samples in the distinctive style of Daft Punk and Justice.

The history and evolution of Bollywood music
Learn about the beginnings, development, and future of Bollywood music, one of the most popular forms of music in the world today.

Sync Agent Breaks Down TV, Film, Advertising Music LicensingThis week, Ari is joined by Jen Pearce, Founder of Low Profile, a sync licensing agency.

5 sound design tips for V Collection with Spencer Zahn
Multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer Spencer Zahn shares five sound design tips that he applies in his own music when using Arturia's V Collection.

What is EQ? A comprehensive guide
In this comprehensive guide, learn about what EQ (equalization) is, its common types, and how to use it in your music.

Roc Nation Is Actually Developing ArtistsThis week, Ari is joined by Shari Bryant and Omar Grant, co-presidents of Label at Roc Nation, the entertainment powerhouse chaired by Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter.

An in-depth look at 5 instruments from South India
Join us as we take an in-depth look at the origin, structure, function, and more of five instruments from South India.