Learn The Basics #12 (Guitar Theory Expounded) - The Dorian Mode
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Hey guys! @aehiguese here with the #12 lesson of the 'learn the basics' guitar theory expounded. Last week's lesson was on:
- Concept of Modes
- Different forms of Modes
- Dorian Mode.
Today's lesson is on Dorian modes. Before we get started, I just wanted to say that today's lesson would be in depth and you should pay close attention to details. And as well, take advantage of the video of the day to give you a better understanding of the concept of DORIAN MODE. With that being said, let's jump right in!
Dorian Mode Off Of C Minor Scale
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The C dorian comes from the Bb major scale. Basically, dorian mode in general is built off the second degree of a major scale.
The scale of the C dorian is:
Scale: C D Eb F G A Bb C.
The Chord Harmony:
- First Degree - Minor Chord
- Second Degree - Minor Chord
- Third Degree - Major Chord
- Fourth Degree - Major Chord
- Fifth Degree - Minor Chord
- Sixth Degree - Diminished Chord
- Seventh Degree - Major Chord.
Basically, because the dorian scale is an alteration of the natural minor scale, it will be compared to each to help notice the changes. So, the scale and harmony of the natural C minor scale would be:
- C : 1st Degree - Minor Chord
- D : 2nd Degree - Diminished Chord
- Eb : 3rd Degree - Major Chord
- F : 4th Degree - Minor Chord
- G : 5th Degree - Minor Chord
- Ab : 6th Degree - Major Chord.
- Bb : 7th Degree - Major Chord.
By comparing the two scales and the harmony ,you will notice a change in harmony in the second (2nd) degree of the natural minor scale. It was changed from a diminished chord to a minor chord.
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Also, again, you will notice the change in the harmony of the third (3rd) degree in the natural minor scale, which is from a minor chord to a major chord. This is a very significant step or degree in the dorian scale, as well as many others, that distinguishes the dorian scale from the natural minor scale.
Lastly, you will also notice a change in the sixth (6th) degree, which is supposed to be an Ab (A - flat) but was brought down a half step or a semi tone to A. There was also a change in the harmony of the chord; which was changed from an Ab (A - flat) major chord to an A diminished chord.
Apart from these various changes, which are very significant to the dorian mode, the other degrees are the same. These changes should be incorporated into your chord formulation, so as to bring out that nice dorian modal sound.
Despite the fact that creating a progression can be somewhat challenging, it's also fun! At the end the class, as always, I will upload the video of the day and added to that, I will give out a simple progression you can work with to get you all started up.
Uses Of Dorian Mode
In personal songwriting.
It can be used in writing a song for a movie or a television show.
It can also be used in songwriting in any theatre production and in Jazz.
The Movie Industry as well as some certain industries, which are associated to the Music Industry, incorporates modes as a background sound track or effect. There are several opportunities as a musician when using modes. Apart from your personal songwriting and release of personal tracks, you can also get opportunities like songwriting for a movie or a film project or even a television show or a documentary.
These days, we have musicians writing music for websites. Ambient music is somewhat gaining grounds in our world today. Also, like I said, theatre productions and plays also requires songwriting.
Honestly guys, there are several opportunities to you as a musician and your knowledge of mode would at that point come in handy.
So guys, here's the dorian progression for you to try out. This progression is based off of the C dorian scale.
[ Cm Cm6 | F7 Gm| Cm6...| F Bb]
From the progression, you will notice that each measure has an A natural minor note in it.
Cm6 - C Eb G A
F7 - F A C Eb
F - F A C
This is the key to creating a personal chord progression. While creating your own chord progression, try to put in some significant notes in your chords gotten from the dorian mode, those notes distinguishes the dorian scale from any other scale.
That's all for this week's "learn the basic" guitar expounded series. Check out the video of the day for a better understanding. Take care and as always, keep jamming!
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