Modes of the Harmonic Minor Scale III: Soloing

Each of the seven modes of the harmonic minor scale has a particular application when it comes to soloing:

  • The harmonic minor scale is used to solo over minor and minor, major seventh chords with the same root note.
  • The Locrian #6 scale is used to solo over diminished and half diminished chords with the same root note.
  • The Ionian #5 scale is used to solo over augmented triads and major seventh, sharp five chords with the same root note.
  • The Dorian #4 scale is used to solo over minor and minor seventh chords with the same root note.
  • The Phrygian #3 (or Phrygian dominant) scale is used to solo over major triads and dominant seventh chords with the same root note.
  • The Lydian #2 scale is used to solo over major and major seventh chords with the same root note.
  • The super Locrian bb7 scale is used to solo over diminished triads and diminished seventh chords with the same root note.

This post will take us through the process of identifying the modal scale or scales that are compatible with any given chord. It will also provide instruction on how to play the scale or scales on a guitar using the relative and parallel approaches.

Soloing: The Relative Approach

To solo using the relative approach to modes, look at the chord you want to solo over and:

  1. Choose a modal scale compatible with the chord.
  2. Relate that scale to the harmonic minor scale from which it is derived.
  3. Use that harmonic minor scale fingering to solo, but emphasize the root note of the modal scale and chord you are soloing over.

Solo Over an E7 Chord

To solo over an E7 chord, we could use an E Phrygian dominant scale.

E Phrygian Dominant Scale

To solo over an E7 chord using an E Phrygian dominant scale, we need to determine the harmonic minor scale from which the E Phrygian dominant scale is derived.

A Phrygian dominant scale is based on the fifth degree of a harmonic minor scale, so we need to ask ourselves in which key is E the fifth note or in which harmonized harmonic minor scale is E7 the V7 chord?

E is the fifth note and E7 is the V7 chord in a harmonized A harmonic minor scale.

To use an E Phrygian dominant scale to solo over an E7 chord:

  • Use an A harmonic minor scale (fig.1a).
  • Emphasize E’s in your solo (fig.1b).

Fig.1

Solo Over and A+ Chord

To solo over an A+ chord, we could use an A Ionian #5 scale.

A Ionian #5 Scale

To solo over an A+ chord using an A Ionian #5 scale, we need to determine the harmonic minor scale from which the A Ionian #5 scale is derived.

An Ionian #5 scale is based on the third degree of a harmonic minor scale, so we need to ask ourselves in which harmonic minor scale is A the third note or in which harmonized harmonic minor scale is A+ the bIII+ chord?

A is the third note and A+ is the bIII+ chord in a harmonized F# harmonic minor scale.

So to use an A Ionian #5 scale to solo over an A+ chord:

  • Use an F# harmonic minor scale (fig.2a).
  • Emphasize A’s in your solo (Fig.2b).

Solo Over a D#°7 Chord

To solo over an D#°7 chord, we could use a D# super Locrian bb7 scale.

D# Super Locrian bb7 Scale

To solo over a D#°7 chord using a D# super Locrian bb7 scale, we need to determine the harmonic minor scale from which the D# super Locrian bb7 scale is derived. 

A D# super Locrian bb7 scale is based on the seventh degree of a harmonic minor scale, so we need to ask ourselves in which harmonic minor scale is D# the seventh note or in which harmonized harmonic minor scale is D#°7 the vii°7 chord? 

D# is the seventh note and D#°7 is the vii°7 chord in a harmonized E harmonic minor scale. 

So to use a D# super Locrian bb7 scale to solo over a D#°7chord:

  • Use an E harmonic minor scale (fig.3a).
  • Emphasize D#’s in your solo (fig.3b).

Fig.3

Soloing: The Parallel Approach

To solo using the parallel approach to modes, look at the chord you want to solo over and:

  1. Choose a modal scale compatible with the chord. 
  2. Use a modal scale fingering to solo over the chord.

Note: You could also play the corresponding major scale mode and alter the appropriate note for the modal scale you want to use but memorizing a modal scale fingering is by far easier.

I will use the same examples as above to illustrate the parallel approach to soloing.

Solo Over an E7 Chord

To solo over an E7 chord, we could use an E Phrygian dominant scale.

Phrygian Dominant Scale

Fig.4a shows a common fingering for a Phrygian dominant scale.

To play an E Phrygian dominant scale, start the pattern on the sixth string, 12th fret (fig.4b).

Fig.4

Solo Over an A+ Chord

To solo over an A+ chord, we could use an A Ionian #5 scale.

Ionian #5 Scale

Fig.5a shows a common fingering for an Ionian #5 scale.

To play an A Ionian #5 scale, start the pattern on the sixth string, fifth fret (fig.5b).

Fig.5

Solo Over a D#°7 Chord

To solo over a D#°7 chord, we could use a D# super Locrian bb7 scale.

Super Locrian bb7 Scale

Fig.6a shows a common fingering for super Locrian bb7 scale.

To play a D# super Locrian bb7 scale, start the pattern on the sixth string, 12th fret (fig.6b).

Fig.6

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