Modes Within Jazz

Modes Within Jazz

Different types of modes

The different types of modes mainly used in improvisational jazz are Ionian which starts on the first degree of the major scale if you are looking at the stave from C major scale, Dorian which starts on the second note of the major scale, Phrygian which is on the third note and so on from the Lydian, Myxoldian, Aeolian to the Locrian which starts on the seventh note.

Why modal jazz is used in improvisational jazz

Many musicians say that within modal jazz there's more space for your own input whereas in other types of jazz like bebop for example they feel the progression is a lot more unnatural. It's also said it can be played in almost any musical situation. Improvising with modal jazz makes the person playing to use melody, rhythm, timbre and emotion since modal makes the use of chords almost useless. Chords are still used but with less emphasise.

History of modal Jazz

Miles Davis is a key figure in modal jazz, In his single Milestones his A sections were played in the G dorian scale and his B sections played in the A aeolian scale, he was one of the first to do this and this was a crucial point in jazz alongside the release of his album Kind of Blue.