J AZZ
Bruce Arnold’s TotalModal
Thinking Dorian
When it comes to being a well-rounded musician, an important place
to start is by knowing your theory. You should learn all 19 scales in all 12
keys – we suggest beginning by learning all the scales in C then moving to other key centers. By learning your modes in all keys you will be
equipped to play any song in any key and play over any chord in any key.
It will also help you to know your guitar fretboard better and make you a
better musician.
The Dorian scale is a seven note scale whose interval pattern is whole
step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step, whole step.
A C Dorian scale would contain the notes C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb. If we play
this scale up and down the A string it looks like the example below.
Try to complete one key for all 19 scales in a two week practice period.
Remember to recall the note names or the degrees of the scales as you
play them. I would suggest alternating days of thinking note names and
scale degrees. Also play the modes over vamps in order to hear them in
a musical situation.
It is sometimes easier to think of the Dorian scale as a major scale
where the 3rd and the 7th have been flatted rather than memorizing the
interval pattern. It should also be pointed out that if we play a Bb major
scale starting on the 2nd degree (C) we will be playing a C Dorian scale.
This month, we’re going to look at the Dorian scale, beginning in C. The
C Dorian scale would be used if you’re improvising over a minor chord,
but you could also use it over a dominant chord such as a C7sus4, or a
Csus4 chord. It’s a very useful scale and one of the most commonly utilized in improvising and in composition. Now let’s take a closer look.
It is important to know each scale in two ways: first, memorize its interval pattern or what alterations it has in comparison to C major. In this
case, C Dorian has a flatted 3rd and 7th. You want to develop the ability
to hear Dorian as its own key. Second, memorize which major scale a
particular mode comes from. In this case, C Dorian is the II degree of Bb
major. This second method allows you to group similar scales together.
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