Jazz Etude #3

by Per Danielsson

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The harmonic minor scale is very useful when playing over a ii-V-i progression (minor ii-V-i). It has a very smooth sound when played over a half diminished seventh chord, and a very strong pull towards the tonic when played over the V-chord. On the dominant V-chord the harmonic minor scale covers the flat 9 and 13.

Remember: ii-V-i in the key of C minor, play C-harmonic minor.

Listen to the sound when the scale is played from the root of the chord.

When you arrive on the i-chord the scale is based on the dorian mode.

If this is the first time you have read this series of jazz etudes, here is the recommended way of practicing:

1. Work out a fingering that works well for you.
2. Practice the etude in different tempos. Start slow and don't speed up the tempo until you are sure about all the notes. You might have to spend some extra time with the harder keys. Use a metronome.
3. When you are comfortable with the voicings, try to be more rhythmic with your left hand.
4. Make it musical. Try to play with a nice relaxed swing feel.
5. Analyze the etude and locate the 13th, 9, #9 and #11 scale degrees.

D harmonic minor

A harmonic minor

E harmonic minor

B harmonic minor