The best way to think of the Jazz Melodic Minor scale is as the Major Scale with the 3rd note lowered by a half step. As the name suggests, this scale is used extensively in Jazz (as are many other scales!). If you have not done so already, I highly suggest you take a look at the Harmonic Minor lesson. These two lessons really go hand in hand. And if it wasn't for the fact that there are 14 exercises between the two lessons, I would combine it all into one lesson. But my goal isn't to fry your brain (just your fingers!).

When practicing these scales, be sure to use the scale patterns from the Diatonic Scale Patterns and Sequences lesson. Also, as you are playing, notice that these modes don't get you the exotic sounds like the Harmonic Minor modes do (Spanish, etc). They get you a ... well, Jazzy sound!

The Jazz Melodic Minor scale is a Dorian-esque scale. It is often used over all altered Dom7 Chords, and it is also common to use the scale one half step higher than the Dom7 chord you are playing over (i.e. use Ab Jazz Melodic Minor over G7).

Here we see how similar the shape is to the Dorian mode. The only difference is that that here the 7th note is raised.

Use the same approach here as with the Harmonic Minor exercises. First, just play the scale up and down as shown in the tab. But after you get comfortable with it, mix it up with the associated Major mode. For instance, ascend with the Jazz Melodic Minor, and descend with Dorian.

Here is another Dorian-esque scale (Jazz players love that Dorian!). In any situation where you are playing Dorian lines, you can get creative by using this scale as well. I am sure Jazz players have stricter rules!

Here is the Dorian b2 shape. The difference between this mode and the Dorian mode is that here, the 2nd note is lowered (hence the name Dorian b2).

See the first exercise for any special instructions. Also, try ascending with the Dorian b2 and descending with the Dorian.

This Jazz Melodic Minor mode is a Lydian-like mode, which means it sort of has a Major sound. You might try playing it over some augmented Major 7 chords to see if it suits your liking.

Here is the Lydian Augmented mode shape. The raised 5th note is what makes this different from the Lydian mode.

See exercise 1 for any special instructions. Also, try ascending with ther Lydian Augmented and descending with the Lydian mode.

This Jazz Melodic Minor mode is yet another Lydian-like mode. It is often used over a Dominant 7th Chord, and Dom7b5.

Here is the Lydian b7 mode shape. As the name suggests, the lowered 7th note is what makes this different from the Lydian mode.

See exercise 1 for any special instructions. Also, try ascending with ther Lydian b7 and descending with the Lydian mode.

Here is Jazz Melodic Minor mode that is similar to Mixolydian. Since the Mixolydian mode sounds good over Dom7 chords, it stands to reason that this scale should also sound good over Dom7 chords. For instance, the notes in a G Dom7 chord are in this scale, so G Mixolydian b6 would be a fine choice to play over a G Dom7.

Here is the Mixolydian b6 mode shape. The flatted 6th note distinguishes it from the Mixolydian mode.

See exercise 1 for any special instructions. Also, try ascending with the Mixolydian b6 and descending with the Mixolydian mode.

Scales with Locrian in the title tend to be a little weird. They are the ones that go along with those evil sounding Diminished and Half Diminished chords. In fact, this mode is often used over Half Diminished 7th Chords (i.e. Min7b5).

Here is the Locrian #2 mode shape. The raised 2nd note is what makes it different from the Locrian mode.

See exercise 1 for any special instructions. Also, try ascending with the Locrian #2 and descending with the Locrian mode.

Here is another Locrian-esque scale. This one is often used over all altered Dom7 Chords. If Locrian-like scales are not being used over Half Diminished chords, then you can usually be sure that they are being used over something altered!

Here is the Super Locrian mode shape. The lowered 4th note is what makes it different from the Locrian mode.

See exercise 1 for any special instructions. Also, try ascending with the Super Locrian and descending with the Locrian mode.