Welcome to the Dorian Scale, our first lesson in Dorian Tonality a commonly-used tonality in modal Jazz and Jazz Blues…
C Dorian Scale: Notation, Scale Degrees, Solfege, & Keyboard Layout…
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.
Ear Training
Reading and singing the Solfege syllables out loud is a very effective way to internalize the unique sound-feeling of each note in a musical scale. Reminder: It is absolutely essential that you sing these out loud… and to play and sing slowly enough to allow the unique sound-feeling of each solfege syllable to make an impression on your mind’s ear.
C Dorian Scale: Linear, Ascending…
C Dorian Scale: Linear, Descending…
C Dorian Scale: Do-X-Do, Ascending…
C Dorian Scale: Do-X-Do, Descending…
Tip: Many other patterns are possible as well, but the 80-20 principle suggests that your time is better spent going right to the kinds of music that YOU want to play for your study-practice material.