Today’s lesson , let’s learn 7th chord (dominant chord )arppegios and scales.
I could say that they are one of most important knowledge to make your solo gypsy jazzy. Because 7th chords and diminish chords are related.
Scale
There are many scales but in the big category , there are MAJOR scale and MINOR scale , 7th scale.
By the way these scales above have names too.
maj scale・・・Ionian scale
minor scale・・・Natural minor scale
7th scale・・・Mixolydian scale , or 7th scale.
As you can see , 7th scale is almost same as major scale but 7th has flat 7.
7th scales
Now, let’s have a look at key G. The notes are G,A,B,A,D,E,F ,right? It is same as Cmaj scale.
When you look at it like this , then all the scales are like this.
Cmaj scale = G7 scale
Dmaj scale = A7 scale
Emaj scale = B7 scale
Fmaj scale = C7 scale
Gmaj scale = D7 scale
Amaj scale = E7 scale
Bmaj scale = F#7 scale
By the way , probably you’ve heard 2-5-1 or 1-4-5 , something like this. This means , when the key is C, 2-5-1 is Dm7-G7-C because of diatonic chords in key C. (Learn diatonic chords for details)
As I said , Cmaj and G7 scales are same and how about Dm7 ? Dm7 scale is also D,E,F,G,A,B,C. That means , you can play Cmaj scale through this chord progression , but if you do it too long , it won’t sound good , get boring.
How to memorize scales
I’d say there are 2 ways of memorizing scales. 1 is to memorize all the notes in every keys which I do most of keys. 2nd is to memorize the fingering which I do as well.
For the beginning , it’s easier to remember fingerings below. Also you should practice in every keys.(maybe not # or b keys yet).
Let’s check the notes on the fret board .
Arpeggio
In the gypsy jazz style of playing , arpeggios are very important knowledge of soloing . Of course scales as well , but I personally use much more arpeggio than scales .(In the end , they are similer and just few notes missing or not though)
Little explanations about arpeggios.
An arpeggio is the notes that compose a chord , and usually 1st , 3rd and 5th scale degrees which is called Tonic Triad.
Cmaj arpeggio is C , E , G (1st , 3rd , 5th)
Cmaj7 arpeggio is C , E , G , B(1st , 3rd , 5th , maj7)
C7 arpeggio is C , E , G , Bb(1st , 3rd , 5th , dominant7)
Cm arpeggio is C , Eb , G (1st , minor 3rd , 5th)
Now I give you 3 common arpeggio positions for dominant chords.
Try to play arpeggios from top to bottom , bottom to top then you can mix these 3 arppegios like this. (Example is key G)
I have to tell you again but try to play arpeggios in every keys. It might take time to get used to it but it will help you a lot when you jam!
Also when you know these things, you can use Gypsy jazz technique ‘ Enclosure’ in your solos. Have a look at the lesson , ‘How to use enclosure in your gypsy jazz solos’
After learning scales and arpeggios, try this one as well ”Daily Arpeggio practice” to be able to play solos like gypsy jazz!!