Modal jazz

Modal jazz is jazz played using musical modes rather than chord progressions.

Theory

It is possible for the bassist and the pianist to move to notes within the mode that are dissonant with the prime (tonic) chord of that mode. For example: within the ionian mode, the C is the final (prime) note. Other notes such as the note B are dissonant with C, so that they are not used in a non-modal jazz song when playing the chord C. In a modal song these other notes may be used. This means that the notes played will not be recognized as a part of C major.

Related Topics:
Bassist - Pianist - Dissonant - Final

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In modal jazz, among the significant compositions were "So What" by Miles Davis and "Impressions" by John Coltrane. They follow the same AABA song form and were in D dorian for the A sections and modulated a half step up to Eb Dorian for the B section. Dorian mode is the minor scale with a raised sixth.

Related Topics:
Miles Davis - John Coltrane - Dorian

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In improvising within a modal context, a musician would basically start by thinking about playing the notes within that specific mode (e.g., D dorian: D, E, F, G, A, B, C, D). It is also possible to take several notes from that mode (and not all) to create smaller scales or note choices for improvisation. For example, in D dorian, one may play the notes of the D minor triad. This is what Miles Davis does at the beginning of his solo in "So What". The player may even choose any of the triads available in that mode: C maj, Dmin, Emin etc. One thing to note is that choosing an upper structure triad of the chord will result in tension.

Related Topics:
Miles Davis - Upper structure triad

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The player may also use the many different pentatonic scales within the scale such as C major pentatonic, F major pentatonic and G major pentatonic. Note that these scales are enharmonically A minor, D minor and E minor pentatonic, respectively.

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