The Application Of Barry Harris Diminished Scale Theory In Jazz Improvisation

Barry Harris is a witness to the development of jazz,having experienced the evolution of all jazz styles from the bebop era to the present.He has developed a theory of diminished scales in his teaching,a chord arrangement that is one of the most unique methods of chord melody in playing jazz piano,a chord arrangement that is unique to him through the combination of his diminished scales and chord arrangements,which can also be an artificial scale.The diminished scale in this theory is formed by combining the diminished chord voicings and the root notes of four seventh chords obtained by moving the diminished chord.In jazz improvisation,there are usually some chordal scales corresponding to improvisation within these bars,and Harris'theory can also be improvised by means of chord substitution and melodic tones with chords.The application of this theory to the repertoire can enrich the melodic line and add more possibilities for improvisation,adding to the aural color of jazz performance and better stimulating the musicians to innovate.In this paper,we will analyze the specific scale theory through literature,comparison and practice,and also combine it with examples and practice to get a fuller understanding of Barry Harris' diminished scale and its application.