How to derive different scales from major scales?

Question

so i play the clarinet and i play jazz. i understand how from a maj scale you get a jazz scale but i sort of forgot how and i also wanted to know could you do this for other styles of music such as middle eastern, or gypsie music, or things appropriate for drum circles. im trying to work on improv and i obviously need the basic understanding of scales thanks.

please refer me to any websites if its too much to explain.

Answer 1

Hi there.  Well, I know this a bit advanced, but the best way to learn how to derive scales is to study Messian's Modes of limited transposition (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modes_of_li...

These modes/scales are very interesting scales that can be used quite effectively if you study and memorize them.  These modes consist of the octatonic, hexatonic, whole-tone, and other scales that have the "exotic" sound I think you're looking for.  But learn these scales by the step pattern.  For example, a major scales consists of whole, whole, half, whole whole whole half steps.  I'm sorry if this sounds confusing.  Good luck!