In this study we will look at several chord scales for dominant 7th chords that we may play on This Masquerade or other tunes.

Let’s start with Lydian Dominant, a mode of Ab melodic minor. Notice how close this is to F natural minor. We just adjust the c note down a half-step to accomidate the Db7(#11).

The next dominant seventh we will link to the predominant. Here we have the Gm7b5 with locrian. When we look at the C7, the f tone will descend by a half-step.

Let’s check out Ab13b9. This is a mode of the Db Harmonic Major. This is a part of a V-I to Dbmaj7.

This is a G mixolydian chord scale.

Let’s look at G7b13. Here we’re working with the c melodic minor scale.

Here we have a good example of dominant 7th chord and the tritone root relationships. Compare this Gb7#33 to C7Alt..

Develop language on dominant 7th chords to expand your improvisation ability. Spend time with each one.