What scales are used in jazz piano?
Two pentatonic scales common to jazz are the major pentatonic scale and the minor pentatonic scale. They are both modes of one another. The major pentatonic scale begins with a major scale and omits the fourth and the seventh scale degrees.
What scale is best for jazz?
The Ionian scale, aka the major scale is one of the most commonly used scales in jazz music. This scale has been used countless by some of the greats. It’s a great point to start if you’re new to jazz.
What scales did Miles Davis play?

Miles Davis uses a #9 and a natural 5th on both chords in his solos. Usually, an altered scale is used on a #9 scale, but an altered scale has a b5 and a #5, but no natural 5.
What key is most jazz in?
Most Jazz songs are in a major or a minor key, and Minor songs are a great place to learn several things that you need in Major as well, so it is a good idea to really dig into studying some minor songs.
Which minor scale is used in jazz?
The Dorian minor scale as a b3, natural 6, and b7. It is the most commonly used minor scale for improvisation in jazz music. It works over any ii chord, or i chord, but it can also be used for other minor chords, such as the iii chord and the vi chord.

What key is most jazz played in?
What scale is so what in?
“So What” is written in D Dorian, which is the second mode of the C Major scale. It contains the notes D, E, F, G, A, B & C, which are the root, major 2nd, minor 3rd, perfect 4th, perfect 5th, major 6th and minor 7th respectfully. The major 6th in particular is what gives Dorian its unique “sweet” sound.
How do you use jazz scales?
The Seven Modes Derived from the Diatonic Scale
- Ionian: Starts on the first note – C.
- Dorian: Starts on the second note – D.
- Phrygian: Starts on the third note – E.
- Lydian: Starts on the fourth note – F.
- Mixolydian: Starts on the fifth note – G.
- Aeolian: Starts on the sixth note – A.
- Locrian: Starts on the seventh note – B.
How many jazz scales are there?
Chord scales make up the jazz improvisation vocabulary. These 10 scales are used in nearly all the harmonies you will encounter in typical show tunes, jazz compositions, pop songs, and more. They include: the seven modes, the Lydian ♭7, the altered scale, and the symmetrical diminished scale.