Question

What scales are used for latin jazz?

Answer 1

Many scales are used, but the most common are scales in phrygian mode. Phyrigian is basically a Ionian (Major) scale played based on the 3rd rather than the 4th. If you need more help tell me.

Answer 2

What do you mean based on the 3rd, are you talking about degree?

Answer 3

C Ionian is basically C-D-E-F-G-A-B, or I-ii-iii-IV-V-vi-vii*. The phrygian mode of a scale starts on the 3rd, so the phrygian mode of C Ionian is E Phrygian. Changing the scale to E-F-G-A-B-C-D, or iii-IV-V-vi-vii*-I-ii. Shifting Major, Minor and diminished chords of a scale. Thus iii-IV-ect. becomes i-II-III-vi-v*-VI-vii. The bast way to see this difference is to hear the scale played in all modes. The reason Phrygian is so common in Latin Jazz, well latin for any matter really, is because it's common chord structure (I-V-IV-I, the most common chord structure in all music, especially western) shift from a pure major to a i-v*-iv-i, minor-diminished-minor-minor progression. if you play this chord progression and the Ionian chord progression after, the reason will become clear to you.