The 12-bar blues is a foundational structure in jazz, but there’s always room to explore new harmonic colors within this familiar progression. One exciting approach is to incorporate the modes of the melodic minor scale. By focusing on these modes, you can add new tensions and resolutions to your playing, bringing a fresh perspective to the blues.
In this lesson, we’ll break down how to apply specific melodic minor modes to different chords in a 12-bar blues progression in F. The key here is to restrict yourself to using the melodic minor scale as much as possible, allowing its unique qualities to shine through. Let’s dive into the details.
#### 1. Bar 1: F7 (I7)
- Mode: F Lydian Dominant (C Melodic Minor)
- Key Note: B natural (#4)
- Start the progression by highlighting the B natural. This #4 gives the F7 chord a brighter, more modern sound compared to the traditional Mixolydian mode.
#### 2. Bar 4: F7 (I7)
- Mode: F Fully Altered Dominant (Gb Melodic Minor)
- In the fourth bar, create tension by switching to the F Fully Altered Dominant scale. This mode is drawn from the Gb melodic minor scale and introduces altered tones that demand resolution.
#### 3. Bars 5-6: Bb7 (IV7)
- Mode: Bb Lydian Dominant (F Melodic Minor)
- Key Note: E natural (#4)
- When the progression moves to the IV chord, use the Bb Lydian Dominant mode. Emphasize the E natural to add a smooth, yet vibrant sound to the Bb7 chord.
#### 4. Bar 7: F7 (I7)
- Mode: F Lydian Dominant (C Melodic Minor)
- Key Note: B natural (#4)
- Return to the F Lydian Dominant mode for the seventh bar, once again emphasizing the B natural. This reintroduces brightness and sets up the coming changes.
#### 5. Bar 8: D9 (VI7)
- Mode: D Mixolydian b6 (G Melodic Minor)
- Key Note: Bb (b6)
- Over the D9 chord, use the D Mixolydian b6 mode, derived from G melodic minor. The b6 (Bb) adds an exotic flavor and increases the tension as you approach the final cadence.
#### 6. Bar 9: Gm7 (ii7)
- Mode: G Melodic Minor
- Key Note: F#
- Over the Gm7 chord, use the G melodic minor scale. The presence of F# adds tension and interest, giving this minor chord a more distinctive sound.
#### 7. Bar 10: C7 (V7)
- Mode: C Fully Altered Dominant (Db Melodic Minor)
- To bring the progression to a close, alter the sound of the C7 chord using the C Fully Altered Dominant scale from Db melodic minor. This mode’s tension-packed alterations set up a powerful resolution back to F7.
### Conclusion
By applying these specific melodic minor modes to a 12-bar blues progression, you can unlock new harmonic possibilities and add a modern edge to your improvisation. Practice each mode in its designated place, and experiment with how these sounds interact with the underlying harmony.
Keep exploring, and until next time, happy playing!
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