Comments

Problems with the dorian mode

Problems with the dorian mode

I have a question, I dont quite understand dorian. How would you read it, in sheet music? I know all the scales but if it says dorian what do you do? I dont have a teacher, I have been teaching myself.

# Posted on March 6th 2007 by Mahoney

Re: Problems with the dorian mode

The root note of a Dorian scale is the second tone of the major scale. So D dorian uses all the same notes as C major, but revolves around the D. A dorian uses all the same notes as G major, but revolves around the A. In terms of intervals, it's T, ST, T, T, T, ST, T, where T = whole tone & ST = semitone. It sounds like a natural minor scale with a major sixth, if that's any help.
Actually I don't know how helpful any of this is, but hey, it's worth a try.

# Posted on March 6th 2007 by Joe CSS

Re: Problems with the dorian mode

Oh ok I get where your going with this.... Thanks, it makes it a little clearer.

# Posted on March 6th 2007 by Mahoney

Re: Problems with the dorian mode

Mahoney, if you're a melody player reading melody off sheet music, you don't need to "do anything" about it saying "dorian." If it's written in dorian, play the notes as you read them, and the "dorian" thingy happens all by itself -- as long as you stick to the key signature.
Modal theory is fun and interesting, but if you're learning tunes by ear, as you should be, you can get by quite well without knowing your modes. And if you're reading them, well, as long as you're adhering to the key signature, you're still OK without knowing what mode you're in, unless you're the backer.

# Posted on March 6th 2007 by cuchulain54

Re: Problems with the dorian mode

Dorian is just like minor except that instead of a flattened sixth you play a normal sixth. Like A minor would be A-B-C-D-E-F-G-A whilst A dorian is A-B-C-D-E-F#-G-A. As the previous post says, as long as you stick to the notes indicated by the key signature you'll get that signature dorian sound.
Recognising the modes is only really necessary if you play by ear, especially for the accompaniment where an F chord in A minor might get repalced by a D chord in A dorian.
With practise abd listening you'll eventually tune in to the modes and be able to recognise them by their signature sounds.

# Posted on March 6th 2007 by DonaldK

Re: Problems with the dorian mode

With practise I might learn how to type porperly.

# Posted on March 6th 2007 by DonaldK

Re: Problems with the dorian mode

And be able to spell.

# Posted on March 6th 2007 by DonaldK

Re: Problems with the dorian mode

I find that modal theory helps a hell of a lot when learning tunes by ear, even for a melody player. For instance, you can figure out flute fingerings for a tune by listening to a tune even if it's in a weirdkey that doesn;t fit on a flute. Or something like that.



# Posted on March 6th 2007 by wormdiet

Re: Problems with the dorian mode

"How would you read it, in sheet music?"

Mahoney - Don;t let it worry you. If you can read music, then you should have no problem. Just play the notes as you see them.

The keys and modes given in the tune list are not really necessary for learning the tunes - they are required mainly for submitting tunes in abc format. Once you can play the notes, you will hear what the tune sounds like, so there's no need to analyse it - unless you want to, of course.

# Posted on March 6th 2007 by CreadurMawnOrganig

Not a member yet? Sign up!

forgotten your password?

Frequently Asked Questions

Enter your email address to have your password sent to you.