Applying Modes In A Blues Idiom Part V

Record or have a friend play this standard twelve bar blues in C - then play the same mode for each chord (key). Remember to first play quarter notes slowly - refrain from playing at a tempo where each note is not clean. Once comfortable gradually increase speed and eventually move to eighth notes using this same process.

C7 //// //// //// //// F7 //// //// C7 //// //// G7 //// //// C7 //// //// :|  repeat sign

Over the C dominant seventh chord play the C mixolydian b9 scale. 

The C mixolydian b9 scale is the same as the

F harmonic major scale except the C is the root or key note. C, Db, E, F, G, A, Bb, C  

Over the F dominant seventh play the F mixolydian b9 scale. 

The F mixolydian b9 scale is the same as the 

B flat harmonic major  scale except the F is the root or key note. F, Gb, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F

Over the G dominant seventh play the G mixolydian b9. 

The G mixolydian b9 scale is the same as the 

C harmonic major scale except the G is the root or key note. G, Ab, B, C, D, E, F, G

Also play each mode for each position (register) of your instrument.

I or I7 =          C dominant seventh   (you can substitute C13/b9 for C7)

IV or IV7 =      F dominant seventh   (you can substitute F13/b9 for F7)

and V or V7 =  G dominant seventh  (you can substitute G13/b9 for G7)

For more chord substations see: 

2010.01.10: Harmonic Major Modes - Mixolydian b9 - Diatonic Substitutions - Mode 5

Apply the same modes for the following common blues progressions:

12 Bar  - Long-Changes

I //// | //// | //// | //// | 

IV //// | //// | 

I //// | //// | 

V //// |

IV //// |

I //// | //// :|   or   I //// | V //// :|  

12 Bar  - Quick-Change

I //// |

IV //// |

I //// | //// |

IV //// | //// |

I //// | //// |

V //// |

IV //// |

I //// | //// :|    or   I //// | V  //// :|

8 Bar

I //// | //// |

IV //// |

I //// |

V //// |

IV //// |

I //// | //// :|

Also for additional ideas reference previous blog 

2010.02.10: Eight Most Common Blues Scales For Improvisation

Remember as always to transpose to all keys.

All materials copyright 2010. For personal use only.

Vince Lauria Sun and Earth Music