Dorian mode: 7 note scaleĭorian bebop scale:Dorian mode with added chromatic passing note to create 8 note scale So the defining notes of a Dorian are the minor third, major sixth and minor seventh. It differs from D harmonic minor in that the sixth degree is major and the seventh degree is minor. Each mode has defining scale degrees eg a Dorian in D differs from a major scale of D in that the third and seventh degree of the scale are minor. It can however be useful to equate a mode to its parallel major or minor, ie the one with the same root note. In the context of modal music it is much better to think of each mode as a scale in its own right, not relative to a major scale. This is often thought of as the scale built on the second degree of a major scale. NB scales in improvisation should always be used as a starting point for inventing melodic patterns, and not used exclusively as scales. Scales and modes useful for dorian improvisation It is very important to be aware that the chords Dm7 – G7 in a Dorian mode are chords I and IV, but in the key of C they are chords II and V and usually imply a perfect cadence to chord I. It is also a very useful mode to practice as the two chords in the example above also form part of a typical IIm7- V7 – I chord sequence. The Dorian mode is probably most common mode. Implies Phrygian as the Eb contains Eb (minor 2 of D) and Bb (minor 6 of D) Implies Aeolian as the Gm7 contains Bb (minor 6 of D) Implies Dorian as the G7 contains B (major 6 of D) As soon as a second chord is added the mode is usually more clearly defined. A one-chord pattern in a minor key can imply an Aeolian, Dorian or Phrygian mode. These are usually tunes or sections of tunes based on a one or two chord repeated pattern. Scales and modes useful for dorian improvisation.All profits donated to special needs music education.Beginners Downloads Discounts up to 100%.
Melodic minor scales tenor sax free#
Beginners Starter Pack Free with books & DVD.Arranging Composing Voicing, backings, rhythm.Beginners’ Impro & Theory New! Learn about chords & scales.Beginners’ Improvising & Theory In the impro & theory section >.Saxophone Effects Growling, bending, false fingerings.Tone & Sound Vibrato, subtone, altissimo, embouchure, tuning.Mouthpieces Comparisons, charts, materials,.Players Great jazz & rhythm & blues players.Saxophone Info Info | Reviews | History.Music Albums, music composed for TV, film, radio & games.Credits Pete Thomas Credits and discography.Biog | Press Pete Thomas: biography press.It’s good to understand what a melodic minor scale is though. It is done that way for vocalists, so saxophone players really only need to worry about natural minors and harmonic minors. On the way up it has only a minor 3rd relative to the major scale:Īnd descending, the notes of the natural melodic minor scale are played: The Melodic Minor Scale is one way ascending and another way descending, The Harmonic Minor Scale, relative to major is: Natural minor is not used very often, maybe over a diatonic sixth chord. The harmonic minor sounds kind of Middle Eastern if you play it straight. Harmonic minor over minor ii-v has a cool sound. There are three (main) flavors to choose from:ĭorian and melodic minor are the important ones, you can use them on minor 7th and minor 6th chords. Minor scales give a certain feel that you want sometimes.