Composition & Improvisation: A Lesson in Tonality

An illuminating lesson in the notion of TONALITY and how different tonalities are used to creative various moods…

Let’s learn what tonality really means by playing a familiar Irish Jig in the same key center D but in three different tonalities: Mixolydian, D Dorian, and D Major

Irish Jig, Mixolydian Tonality

The key signature for D Mixolydian is one sharp (F#)…

Your ears should hear and feel the major quality created by the note F# (Mi)and the harmonic tension created by the note C (Te).


Irish Jig, Dorian Tonality

The key signature for D Dorian is no sharps or flats…

Your ears should hear and feel the minor quality created by the note F (Me). and the harmonic tension created by the note C (Te) in the C chord.


Irish Jig in Major Tonality

The key signature for D Major is two sharps (F# & C#)…

Your ears should hear and feel the major quality created by the note F# (Mi) and the harmonic tension created by the leading tone C# (Ti) in the A7 chord.


learn more… Composition & Improvisation

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