A Lesson in Tonality

An illuminating lesson in the notion of TONALITY and how different scale types can be 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, Dorian, and 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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