Super Locrian

[Dwreck]

This is a Locrian mode with a "twist" so-to-speak. The difference between the Locrian and the Super Locrian is that the fourth interval(C)is flatted on the Super Locrian Mode(Cb). The Super Locrian goes by several names which are:
Diminished Whole Tone scale
Pomeroy scale
Altered Dominant scale
Ravel scale

Here's the scale (ascending):
G, Ab, Bb, Cb, Db, Eb, F

Notice if you run the scale from Ab to Ab, you'd complete the Ab Melodic Minor scale.


Here is one way that you can apply this mode in between chords.  For instance, let's say you are on a 5 chord, and you're going back to 1.  But, in between 5 and 1 there is some space you need to fill.  You can pick the Super Locrian Mode (beginning on G) and just run it until you are ready to play your one chord again.  The trick is to pick a mode that once finished ends on the 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9th interval when you play your 1 chord. 

Illustration:

Key C  LH/RH

G / F-Ab-Cb(5)
?
C / E-A-D(1)


Now, which mode would fit? The 1 chord contains the notes C, E, G, B, & D.  Remember I said the trick is to pick a mode that once  finished, it ends when you play your 1 chord.  Since one of the notes of the 1 chord is G, we'll pick a mode that starts with a G.  One mode that fits that is the Super Locrian mode.  So, let's use it:

4/4 time count in [ ]

[1] G / F-Ab-Cb (5)
[an] / G
[a] / Ab
[2] / Bb
[e] / Cb
[an] / Db
[a] / Eb
[3] / F
[e] / G
[an] / Ab
[a] / Bb
[4] / Cb
[e] / Db
[an] / Eb
[a] / F
[1] C / G [E-A-D]<- chord

There are more, but I'll wait and see if anyone likes the one above.

Take it slow and work with it.  You should see that once you finish the Super Locrian mode, you'll land perfectly on the C major chord.



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[B3Wannabe]

I've read about this scale, but I've never called it such.

Have you read any of Jamey Aebersold's posts? Bunny Brunnel used to have videos on his site too.

I think it was from one of their books or online pdfs that they talked about improvisation. They said one method to build your improvisation skill is to take parts of major scales from the different intervals and piece them together.

In this case, to make this scale, you'd take part of an Ab or Eb scale and put it over a B (Cb) scale. The former is a minor third interval and the second is a major third interval.

[Dwreck]

Nice! Jamey Aebersold in my opinion, is a great source for learning and expanding your craft as a musician. The info I supplied was from a book written by Steve Barta called, "The Source". It's a dictionary of contemporary and traditional scales. Good book! I'm not familiar with Bunny Brunnel.