Use of Melodic Minor scale in Stella by Starlight
August 11, 2010 in Learning Jazz
When you play over a minor ii-V chord progression, such as the first two chords of Stella by Starlight (which you expect to resolve to the minor i, D-, but it goes to a ii-V in Bb instead) one fun sound to play around with is the melodic minor scale.
Over the ii-7b5, use a melodic minor scale a minor third up from the root.
E-7b5=G melodic minor (GABbCDEF#G, a G major scale with a minor third basically).
Over the V7 chord, use a melodic minor scale a half-step up from the root.
A7#5=Bb melodic minor (BbCDbEbFGABb. In non theoretical terms a Bb major scale with a b3)
Enjoy the example! It uses an F mixolydian scale over the ii-V at the end, or a F mixolydian bebop scale because it has a chromatic passing tone.
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[...] Use of Melodic Minor scale in Stella by Starlight- Learn Jazz Standards [...]
Really like your site, one of the better free ones I’ve found. What are some other jazz standards that use the Melodic Minor Scale?
You know of any Jazz songs that use the Harmonic Minor Scale, I’d love to see a post on that.
Christy, anytime you see a minor ii-7b5-V7-i progression in jazz you can use melodic minor harmony. I’m doing another post on this right now, since it’s going to take a little explaining!
Music Scales, I’ll also do the Harmonic Minor post soon!
[...] Use of Melodic Minor scale in Stella by Starlight- Learn Jazz Standards [...]
Really like the concept of this web site. Educational,straight forward with no nonsense. I believe your ideas and exampes (such as 11-V-1solos) could make a great Jazz Guitar Method/Book.
Would like to see more solo ideas such as Stella, Blues for Alice in other Jazz Standards and geared toward jazz guitar.
Once again, terrific web site,