When you’re learning how to play jazz, you spend a lot of time learning guitar scale shapes. They’re an important part of learning your instrument, and being able to play melodies or improvise. But one problem a lot of jazz guitar players run into is playing just one or two scale shapes in a solo. … Read more
The mixolydian scale is an important part of your jazz guitar toolbox. It’s an essential part of being able to play lines over the blues, and other essential jazz guitar chord progressions. This scale pops up just about everywhere in jazz – it’s hard to find a song where you don’t need it. Dominant 7th … Read more
Learning how to do modes is high up on most jazz guitar players to-do lists. And it seems like a good idea, too. Lots of good players talk about learning jazz guitar scales and modes – so it’s probably a good idea to learn about them. And modes are an important part of playing jazz. … Read more
Pentatonic scales are a guitar player’s best friend. And for some good reasons: Guitar players from all different styles love to play pentatonic scales. But most of them don’t really have the full picture. Even intermediate players usually only know how to play one, maybe 2 of the scale shapes. And they’re missing out. There … Read more
When I started learning about different types of scales for jazz guitar, the dorian mode was one of the first things that popped up. No matter where I looked, people were saying this was one of the most important modes to learn. And there were also mixed messages about how to play it – or … Read more
If you’re looking for the best way to start playing better solos, jazz guitar scales for beginners are your best bet. And for one simple reason. In music, scales are the building blocks of every melody you’ve ever heard. And ideally, jazz guitar solos are melodies that you improvise. Made up as you go, using … Read more
Sooner or later in jazz guitar, you’re going to need to learn the modes of the major scale. They are an important part of improving your skills – and they aren’t as complicated as you might think. As you improve, you’re going to want to have more control over the sounds you’re creating as you … Read more
How to Play All of Your Jazz Guitar Scales One of the most common questions I get asked by jazz guitar students (or jazz students in general) is this: “What scales do I need to know for jazz guitar?” Sometimes it comes in different forms: It’s a simple question – and one that sometimes creates … Read more
The melodic minor scale is one of my favorites. Maybe even the favorite. I didn’t learn it until I was in college, but once I learned how to use it, I was hooked. It’s got some interesting options for soloing in minor keys. Kind of a unique sound you don’t get from your other minor … Read more
The harmonic minor scale is a great tool for improvising and playing melodies in minor keys. It’s a similar finger pattern to the natural minor scale you probably already know. But it’s just a little bit more colorful. One of the great things about the harmonic minor is that it’s the easiest way to play … Read more