Dorian Tonality: Dorian Scale

Welcome to the Dorian Scale, our first lesson in Dorian Tonality–a commonly used tonality in modal Jazz and Jazz Blues…

C Dorian Scale Theory…

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Comparative Scale Study

Just as Eb (Me) gives the C Minor Scale its minor sound, Eb (Me) also gives the C Dorian Scale a minor quality.
The C Dorian shares the same notes as the C Natural Minor Scale with one exception: A (La) instead of Ab (Le). Only one note has changed, yet this single note dramatically changes the sound, feeling, and character of the scale, enabling you to create a whole new kind of music!
The C Dorian Scale has the same key signature as the Bb Major Scale.

Dorian Scale Solfege Ear Training

Reading, playing, and singing the Solfege Syllables out loud is an extremely effective way to tune up your ears and to internalize the unique sound-feeling of each note in the scale with respect to the key center Do. Make sure to do this slowly enough for the unique sound-feeling of each Solfege Syllable to make a meaningful impression on your mind’s ear.

C Dorian Scale: Linear, Ascending…

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C Dorian Scale: Linear, Descending…

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C Dorian Scale: Do-X-Do, Ascending…

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C Dorian Scale: Do-X-Do, Descending…

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Note: While it’s possible to continue by singing a bunch of other musical patterns, the 80-20 Principle teaches us that a more efficient approach is to get your ear training material directly from the music that YOU want to play!