The Dorian mode is the second mode of the major scale and is characterized by its unique sound and structure. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
1. Scale Formula
- The Dorian mode can be derived from the major scale by starting on the second degree. The interval pattern is:
- Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole
2. Degrees of the Scale
- In the Dorian mode, the scale degrees are:
- 1 (root)
- 2 (major second)
- ♭3 (minor third)
- 4 (perfect fourth)
- 5 (perfect fifth)
- 6 (major sixth)
- ♭7 (minor seventh)
3. Sound and Mood
- The Dorian mode has a jazzy and somewhat soulful quality due to its minor third and major sixth. It’s often associated with a more optimistic or uplifting mood compared to the natural minor scale.
4. Common Uses
- Dorian is frequently used in jazz, funk, blues, and rock music. Many famous songs utilize the Dorian mode, such as:
- “So What” by Miles Davis
- “Scarborough Fair” by Simon & Garfunkel
5. Key Examples
- D Dorian would consist of the notes: D, E, F, G, A, B, C, D.
- If you take the C major scale (C, D, E, F, G, A, B) and start on D, you’ll have D Dorian.
6. Improvisation and Composition
- When improvising in Dorian, musicians often emphasize the major sixth, as it helps to create the distinctive sound of the mode.
Here’s how the Dorian scale looks for a few different root notes:
D Dorian
- Notes: D, E, F, G, A, B, C
C Dorian
- Notes: C, D, E♭, F, G, A, B♭
A Dorian
- Notes: A, B, C, D, E, F♯, G
G Dorian
- Notes: G, A, B♭, C, D, E, F
E Dorian
- Notes: E, F♯, G, A, B, C♯, D
By the Stealify Team!
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