Now let's look at the second function of the dominant chord.
This function is, the dominant chord that resolves to its "I" chord. From previous lessons we know that to create a "full" cadence you need to have a V7-I chord progression. Below is an example of a chord progression that not only is dominant in the jazz idiom but in all western music and that's the ii-V7-I chord progression. Take a look:
As you can see in the example the V7 chord in this progression (G9) is resolving to its "I" chord (C6). How the Jazz Melodic Scale work over this dominant chord is to go up a half step and play the Jazz Minor Scale. So over the G9 chord you would go up to Ab and play Ab Jazz Minor Scale. Take a look at the scale.
Let's compare this scale to the chord.
A "G" Dominant chord is spelled: G-A-B-C-D-E-F-G. An Ab Jazz Minor scale is spelled: Ab-Bb-Cb-Db-Eb-F-G-Ab. Going back to an earlier page we stated that the a dominant chord can accept all alterations and extensions without losing its harmonic function. Looking at the Scale again we see that we an Ab which is the lowered 9th of the chord or an extension. Going through the rest of the scale we get:
- Bb (raised 9th)
- Cb/Bnat (third of the chord)
- Db (lowered 5th)
- Eb (raised 5th)
- F (7th degree)
- G (root)
So as you can see, the scale played a half step up has all the alterations (-9, +9, -5, and +5)!! Using this can create some interesting lines when improvising over what can be a very mundane chord progression. So hopefully this lesson has opened up some avenues for you in your quest to becoming a master improvisor. Good Luck!
