Harmonized Chords (Seventh Chords)
Harmonizing the melodic minor scale produces the following seven chords (using C Melodic Minor as an example: C-D-Eb-F-G-A-B):
- Im(maj7): C – Eb – G – B (Minor Major 7)
- IIm7: D – F – Ab – C (Minor 7)
- bIIImaj7$\sharp$5: Eb – G – B – D (Lydian Augmented)
- IV7: F – A – C – Eb (Lydian Dominant)
- V7: G – B – D – F (Dominant 7th)
- VIm7b5: A – C – Eb – G (Half-Diminished)
- VIIm7b5: B – D – F – A (Altered/Locrian$\sharp$2) The Jazz Piano Site +4
Key Applications
- Tonic Minor: The
chord is frequently used in jazz as a more sophisticated tonic minor, giving a “spy movie” or “noir” sound.
- Altered Dominant: The 7th mode (Altered scale) is commonly played over V7 chords to add tension (e.g., G7alt).
- Lydian Dominant: The 4th mode (Lydian Dominant) is used over IV7 or V7 chords (e.g., F7 or G7#11).
- Minor ii-V-I: The II-V-I sequence (
–
–
) is a common progression in jazz.
Songs that use melodic minor:
- Alone Together: Features minor progressions that suit melodic minor application.
- Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise: Often played with melodic minor in the harmonic structure.
- Solar: Miles Davis composition featuring melodic minor nuances.
- Whisper Not: Features various minor progressions.
- Bernie’s Tune: Features a D minor melodic minor sound.
- Summertime: Used in jazz contexts (e.g., Coltrane) as a minor blues often employing the melodic minor.
Common Melodic Minor Uses
- Minor-Major 7th Chord : Known as the “spy chord,” this often appears at the end of tunes like the “James Bond Theme”.
- Altered Dominant (7th Mode): The 7th mode of melodic minor is used over altered dominant chords .
- Lydian Dominant (4th Mode): Commonly used for dominant chords, such as in the “Simpsons Theme”.
Commonly Used Tunes for Practice
- Yesterday (The Beatles): Although pop, this is often cited for its use of the D melodic minor scale in a jazz-influenced progression.
- Nica’s Dream: A Horace Silver standard.
• • Blue Bossa: A simple, commonly used standard for navigating minor tonalities