Melodic patterns, rhythmic patterns, how to study.
Updated 2025
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:
1
Play the major, mixolydian and dorian scales in C over play-a-longs.
Memorize formulas
Major: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Mixolydian: 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7
Dorian: 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Play the melodic patterns.
Visualize the notes to facilitate adding new scales comparing them with the major scale in C.
2
Play the major and minor (blues) pentatonic scales in C.
Memorize formulas
Major: 1 2 3 5 6
Minor: 1 b3 4 5 b7
Add blue notes
b3 in major: 1 2 b3 3 5 6
+4 in minor: 1 b3 4 +4 5 b7.
Play over play-a-longs.
Memorize.
3
Play and memorize the basic syncopated rhythmic patterns and articulations.
Youtube Channel: Basic Syncopated Rhythmic Patterns
Articulations
4
Combine the melodic patterns with syncopated rhythmic patterns and articulations.
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 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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