Frank J Peter 2011-02-02 Scales

Dorian Scale: Theory & Ear Training

The Dorian Scale has a primitive, minor, sometimes jazzy quality that is widely used in pop, rock, folk, and modal jazz…

C Dorian Scale Theory…

piano-ology-scales-c-dorian-keyboard-layout

The scale structure of the Dorian Scale is always 1-2-b3-4-5-6-b7-1, no matter what key you are in.
The Solfege syllables of the Dorian Scale are always Do-Re-Me-Fa-So-La-Te-Do, no matter what key you are in.
The only thing that changes when you change keys are the letter names.

Comparative Scale Study

Think of the Dorian Scale as the minor version of the Mixolydian Scale. Mi gives the Mixolydian Scale a major flavor, while Me gives the Dorian Scale a minor flavor.

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…

piano-ology-scales-c-dorian-solfege-ear-training-linear-ascending

C Dorian Scale: Linear Descending…

piano-ology-scales-c-dorian-solfege-ear-training-linear-descending

C Dorian Scale: Do-X-Do Ascending…

piano-ology-scales-c-dorian-solfege-ear-training-do-x-do-ascending

C Dorian Scale: Do-X-Do Descending…

piano-ology-scales-c-dorian-solfege-ear-training-do-x-do-descending

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!

learn more… Major Pentatonic Scale: Theory & Ear Training

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1

paula graham on 2016-11-02 at 13:42
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This is slightly baffling to me!! should I learn this by heart or just look and play and sing… and what does it ‘mean’…? probably dim question!
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  Frank J Peter on 2016-11-02 at 14:28
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  Thanks so much for asking, Paula. Such a question is not dim in the least. In fact, it is an essential part of me getting to know the Piano-ology audience… so that I can learn how to more effectively present material. That said, your questions prompted two things: First, that I should explain in the intro to this lesson WHY the Dorian Scale matters (It is used extensively in Folk, Pop, Jazz, and Rock). Noteworthy examples: Carol King “Too Late”, Simon and Garfunkel “Scarborough Fair”, “Santana “Evil Ways”, Miles Davis “So What”, The Doors “Riders on the Storm”. Second, that I should upload an audio file that models how to do the ear training studies. Thanks so much for your thoughtful and generous engagement, Paula. You are already having quite a positive influence on how Piano-ology is unfolding. Cheers!
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    paula graham on 2016-11-02 at 19:42
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    Thank you, Frank for your prompt reply.I had in the meantime looked up the scale on the internet and I understand now..I deduct from that that, for me as an absolute beginner…it is just as well to leave that kind of stuff for now and stick to getting to know the keys by name and putting name , piano key and dot on line together …and stick to doing fluent hand movements along the scale …I do so much see that it is crucial to get the basics right before progressing . Your Piano-ology is progressing amazingly well, is going to be a great success, I bet. Must be quite difficult to make sure it does not become an unwieldy giant though…pffft. Thank you again.
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      Frank J Peter on 2016-11-02 at 19:54
      Reply
      
      Yes, it’s mostly about seeing the dots, letter names, scale degrees, solfege syllables all as important ways of conceiving the same musical stuff. And to start internalizing the associated sound-feelings, too. And thanks so much for the vote of confidence, Paula!
5

Peter Panhandel on 2020-02-27 at 13:01
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Can I have your permission to copy these images to use as my personal practice material? Do you own the copyright? Thank you for the amazing contribution!
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  Skeeter Tansandelle on 2020-02-27 at 17:13
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  I just saw this [https://piano-ology.com/creative-commons-license/]. Once again thanks for keeping music alive in this age of information and knowledge!
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  Frank J Peter on 2022-10-31 at 09:13
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  Thanks so much for asking, Peter, and for the kind words of appreciation. Short answer: Feel free to copy anything on the website for your personal use. It is my privilege and pleasure to share and to support free and open education.
  
  Also, your question motivated me to post something I have been meaning to for a long long time: https://piano-ology.com/creative-commons-license/
  
  For this, I owe you a huge thank you!
  
  All the best to you in music and life, my friend.