4. Scales of Chords
A scale-of-chords is a pairing of a six-chord and a diminished chord that begins a half step below it. The two blend into an 8-note scale — a distinct feature of the Barry Harris method.
Western music is generally based on 7 note scales. Barry Harris says we need an additional note to maintain symmetry and rhythmic balance. Hence, the 8 note scale. (Note: it isn’t a scale in the narrow definition like the major and the dominant).
▪ The Barry Harris 8 note major scale is a major scale with an added note between the 5 and the 6.
The Barry Harris 8 note minor scale is like the Barry Harris major scale, but we flatten the 3rd.
▪ The major scale of chords and the minor scale of chords:
In the scale of chords, we can borrow notes from the 6-chord to the diminished or from the diminished to the 6-chord, and resolve (listen carefully, as the borrowed notes “say”: move me, resolve the tension).
The scale-of-chords provides a wealth of improvisation and movement possibilities. It can decorate chords, provide connective tissue, and brief tensions and resolutions.
Note: a six-chord has 2 notes from one diminished chord and 2 notes from another diminished chord. The third diminished is the diminished of the Scale of Chords.
Another type of improvisation using scales of chords: Play tunes with the melody notes in the highest position of a 6-chord or its diminished chord.