Updated 2025

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I don´t recommend playing the scales in all keys from the beginning, it´s too much information and difficult to memorize. I prefer to follow this roadmap:

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1

Play C major, mixolydian and dorian scales with their melodic patterns over play-a-longs.

C major scale over Jamey Aebersold Vol. 24 CD1.

C dorian scale over Jamey Aebersold Vol.24 CD2

C mixolydian scale over Jamey Aebersold Vol. 84.

Memorize the formulas

Major scale:              1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Mixolydian scale:      1 2 3 4 5 6 b7

Dorian scale:            1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7

Play the melodic patterns.

Visualize the notes. Compare new scales with the major scale in C.

Major scale: melodic patterns in C

2

Play the major and minor (blues) pentatonic scales in C.

Memorize the formulas

Major pentatonic scale: 1 2 3 5 6

Minor pentatonic scale: 1 b3 4 5 b7

Add blue notes

blue note b3 in major pentatonic scale: 1 2 b3 3 5 6

blue note +4 in minor pentatonic scale: 1 b3 4 +4 5 b7.

Play over a play-a-long.

3

Play and memorize the basic syncopated rhythmic patterns and articulations.

Basic Syncopated Rhythmic Patterns

Youtube Channel: Basic Syncopated Rhythmic Patterns

Articulations

4

Combine the melodic patterns with the syncopated rhythmic patterns and articulations.

Basic Syncopated Rhythmic Patterns

5

The most common keys played in jazz standards are F and Bb,

D and G for Eb instruments, and G and C for Bb instruments.

Eb instruments

Play D and G as indicated above in 1 and 2. Memorize.

Bb instruments

Play G as indicated above in 1 and 2. Memorize.

Play the dominant keys that we haven´t played yet:

A mixolydian scale (dominant of D)

D mixolydian scale (dominant of G)

Play the keys needed in each new jazz standard

Eg: Summertime in D-

Eb instruments: play B dorian scale

Bb instruments: play E dorian scale

Memorize using the first scales played as a reference.

We should be able to transpose from memory all the melodic patterns to each new scale.

Summary

C instruments: master the major, mixolydian, dorian and pentatonic scales in C, Bb, F and D with bebop passing tones before studying the rest of the keys.

Eb instruments: master the major, mixolydian, dorian and pentatonic scales in A, G, D and B with bebop passing tones before studying the rest of the keys.

Bb instruments: master the major, mixolydian, dorian and pentatonic scales in D, C, G and E with bebop passing tones before studying the rest of the keys.

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Bebop Scales: A Guide for Beginners

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