Exploring the Barry Harris 6th Diminished Scale
The Barry Harris 6th Diminished Scale
The Barry Harris 6th diminished scale is a unique and interesting scale that is derived from the major scale. It is essentially a major scale with an added note between the 5th scale degree and the 6th scale degree. This added note gives the scale its distinctive sound and provides musicians with a fresh and colorful option for improvisation.
Understanding the Scale
To better understand the Barry Harris 6th diminished scale, let's take a closer look at its construction. The scale starts with the familiar major scale formula: whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half. However, instead of following this formula strictly, the scale adds an extra note between the 5th and 6th scale degrees.
This additional note is a half step above the 5th scale degree, creating a unique interval that adds tension and interest to the scale. This alteration gives the scale a distinct diminished quality, hence the name "6th diminished scale."
Application in Improvisation
The Barry Harris 6th diminished scale can be a valuable tool for jazz musicians and improvisers. Its unique sound and interval structure offer a fresh palette of notes to explore and incorporate into solos.
One of the key features of this scale is its ability to create tension and resolution. The added note between the 5th and 6th scale degrees adds a sense of anticipation and can lead to interesting melodic choices. Musicians can use this tension to create exciting and dynamic solos that capture the listener's attention.
Additionally, the Barry Harris 6th diminished scale can be used to navigate complex chord progressions. Its altered interval structure allows for interesting melodic connections between chords and can provide a fresh approach to improvisation.
Practice and Implementation
As with any new scale or concept, it is important to spend time practicing and familiarizing oneself with the Barry Harris 6th diminished scale. This can be done through exercises such as playing the scale up and down the instrument, exploring different melodic patterns, and incorporating the scale into improvisation over various chord progressions.
Listening to recordings of musicians who utilize this scale can also be beneficial, as it can provide inspiration and a better understanding of how to incorporate it into one's own playing.
In conclusion, the Barry Harris 6th diminished scale is a unique and versatile tool for musicians and improvisers. Its distinctive interval structure and tension-building capabilities make it a valuable addition to any musician's toolkit. By practicing and incorporating this scale into their playing, musicians can expand their improvisational vocabulary and create exciting and engaging solos.