BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
881 / 18210 · Module 18 — Scales and Modes for Improvisation: What to Use, When, and Why← prev⊞ allnext →

18.60How this connects to harmony

In C major:

Dm7

Dm7 = D F A C

can suggest D Dorian.

G7

G7 = G B D F

G Mixolydian.

Cmaj7

Cmaj7 = C E G B

C Ionian.

But all are part of C-major harmony.

So modes are often just different perspectives on the same key.

When a chord becomes more independent or altered, scale choice becomes more consequential.