Diatonic Tertian Mega-scales over ii-V7-I Changes

Normal scales are made by stacking 2nds.
Mega-scales (my term) are made by stacking 3rds.

You can play "Mega" Scales the same way as you would play any scale
(your fingers are a little more spread out though).

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I was looking for interlocking/overlapping relationships between the common tones in the
successive ii-V7-I chords using a megascale and here's what happened
(4C = middle C):


7D = Am's 11th

6B = Am's 9th

6G = Am’s b7th

6E = Am’s 5th ___ D7’s 9th

6C = Am’s b3rd __ D7’s 7th

5A = Am’s root __ D7’s 5th ____ G’s 9th

5F# = Am’s 6th __ D7’s 3rd ____ G’s maj7th

5D = ____________ D7’s root ___ G’s 5th

4B = ____________ D7’s 6th ____ G’s 3rd

4G = __________________________ G’s root

4E = __________________________ G’s 6th



Since all the chord tones are sooooo consonant, AND the underlying scale is diatonic (G major scale) the ultimate result is kind of vanilla sounding.

Nonetheless, there are some very cool and useful Jazz improvisational possibilities in here.

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In the final section of this "Just Friends" midi-audio recording,
I illustrate the megascale principles outlined above:
"Just Friends" Solo Piano (midi)

First 8 bars:
Underlying harmony for "Theme 1"

2nd 8 bars:
Straightforward statement of "Theme 2"

3rd 8 bars:
Straightforward statement of "Theme 1"

4th 8 bars:
Improv over "Theme 2"

5th 8 bars:
Improv over "Theme 1"

6th & Final Section of "Just Friends" midi (1:02-1:11)
Study of diatonic tertian megascales over ii-V7 and ii-V7-I progressions.


8-note scale

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Extra Bonus! Analysis of "Just Friends"

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