It seems from my previous teachers, and this discussion, it might be
the harmonic minor. Why not further simplify and use the natural minor
and realize that you may have to raise the seventh occasionally
depending on what the chord calls for? (In some cases you have to
raise the 6th if you are using either scale). In this way you are
still really using the major scale (now isn't that simple).
I have been told that there are really only 4 "mother" scales.
Major
minor
diminished
whole tone
This again begs the quesion of which minor. I am trying to stick to
the fewest scales possible and let the chords guide me as to which
non-scale tones to use. In addition I add scalar and chromatic passing
tones to my chord tone phrases to try and develop melodic solos.
Any thoughts on the ONE minor scale I should know would be appreciated.
Mike