Modes of Melodic & Harmonic Minor
The major scale isn't the only parent scale with modes. Melodic and harmonic minor each spin off seven modes of their own — the "jazz minor modes" behind some of the most colorful sounds in modern harmony.
Every scale has modes, not just major
Any seven-note scale can be restarted on each of its degrees to generate seven modes — the major scale just happens to be the most famous example. Melodic minor (1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, 6, 7 ascending) and harmonic minor (1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7) each generate their own family of seven. Most of those fourteen modes are niche, but a handful show up constantly in jazz and neoclassical playing.
From melodic minor: Lydian Dominant & the Altered scale
The 4th mode of melodic minor is called Lydian Dominant: 1, 2, 3, ♯4, 5, 6, ♭7. It's Lydian's floating sharp 4 combined with a dominant flat 7 — the go-to scale over dominant chords with a ♯11 tension. The 7th mode of melodic minor is the Altered scale (also called Super Locrian): 1, ♭2, ♯2, 3, ♭5, ♯5, ♭7. It packs in nearly every altered dominant tension at once, making it the standard choice over "V7alt" chords.
From harmonic minor: Phrygian Dominant & Locrian natural 6
The 5th mode of harmonic minor is Phrygian Dominant: 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7 — Phrygian's tight flat 2 combined with a major 3rd. It's the sound of flamenco, much Middle Eastern music, and neoclassical shred guitar. The 2nd mode of harmonic minor is Locrian natural 6: 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, ♭5, 6, ♭7 — ordinary Locrian, but with its 6th degree raised back to natural.
Common questions
What is the Lydian Dominant scale?
The 4th mode of melodic minor: 1, 2, 3, ♯4, 5, 6, ♭7. It combines Lydian's raised 4th with a dominant flat 7th, commonly used over altered dominant (♯11) chords.
What is the Altered scale?
Also called Super Locrian, the 7th mode of melodic minor. It contains every common altered tension and is used over V7alt dominant chords in jazz.
What is Phrygian Dominant?
The 5th mode of harmonic minor: 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7. It combines Phrygian's flat 2 with a major 3rd, giving it a flamenco, Middle Eastern, or neoclassical metal sound.
Do melodic and harmonic minor have their own modes?
Yes — like the major scale, both generate seven modes each, one on every degree. Together these are sometimes called the "jazz minor modes."
Explore jazz minor modes yourself
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