Modal scales' variations?

Question

I know two basic variations of minor and major scales, and these are melodic and harmonic. My question is, are there melodic and harmonic variations of modal scales? Like Dorian harmonic? or Mixolydian melodic? Can I just raise their degrees to achieve it, or maybe something like that does not exist in music theory? Let's say we have: A Aeolian: A B C D E F G and A Dorian: A B C D E F♯ G Now A minor harmonic would be: A B C D E F G♯ (7 degree raised) Will A dorian harmonic be: A B C D E F♯ G♯ (7 degree raised?) I know how to make harmonic and melodic from minor scale, but how to do this with other scales? (all modal scales like Dorian, Mixolydian etc.)

Answer 1

Modal scales have been used in popular jazz since Miles Davis and many other in the 50s to explore chords that have less desire to move linearly. This creates space for the melody to sit in a sonic field differently than a progression that needs to move in a traditional sense. They provide the blueprint for how to approach playing over chords in specific contexts.

I wouldn't apply the terms "harmonic" and "melodic" directly to modes because those terms historically were created due to the tendencies of classical composers who wrote in minor keys for desired effects. Altering a mode should be utilized to bring out a unique color in the music or to complement a specific chord/ chordal passage. Its important to distinguish between minor modes (dorian, phrygian, aeolian,) and major modes (ionian, lydian, mixolyd.) when considering altered scale degrees.

Popular examples of altered modal scales include.. all the variations on the mixolydian scale for various secondary dominants chord scales, lydian b7 (or mixo #4) for sub Vs, and scales from eastern Europe, the Middle East and other non-western influenced music. The double harmonic Hungarian minor scale comes to mind. Also, you might consider the 9-note bebop scale (b7 and natural 7) as part of this family.

When in doubt, just explore all the possibilities and do what you think serves the melody, and above all, the music!

Hope this helps,

Jake