![\"Piano-Scales\"](\"https:\/\/proproach.com\/piano-techniques\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/pianoscales1-150x150.jpg\")
Of the many piano scales that you will want to familiarize yourself with is the Dorian mode. Let’s take a look at this special scale, which you will find yourself using frequently while improvising on piano.<\/p>\nOf the many piano scales that you will want to familiarize yourself with is the Dorian mode. Let’s take a look at this special scale, which you will find yourself using frequently while improvising on piano.<\/p>\n
First, to easily understand the construction of the Dorian mode, we will begin by taking a look at the major scale. Specifically, we will spell out the C Major scale here:<\/p>\n
C\u00a0 D\u00a0 E\u00a0 F\u00a0 G\u00a0 A\u00a0 B\u00a0 C<\/p>\n
What scale do we arrive at if we start this C Major scale on the second degree which, in this case, is D… and if we end the scale with D as well?<\/p>\n
Here it is:<\/p>\n
D\u00a0 E\u00a0 F\u00a0 G\u00a0 A\u00a0 B\u00a0 C\u00a0 D<\/p>\n
Wahlah! There we have the Dorian mode. Specifically, we have D Dorian mode.<\/p>\n
The Dorian scale (or mode) is a minor scale. As we look at the 1, 3, 5, and 7 of this scale, we have:<\/p>\n
D\u00a0 F\u00a0 A\u00a0 C<\/p>\n
Yes, the Dmin7 chord!<\/p>\n
Play a Dmin7 chord with your left hand while playing the D Dorian scale with your right and listen closely. Do you hear how well this scale sounds when played with this chord?<\/p>\n
This is one of those piano scales you will want to learn in the other keys, too. To do this, play any major scale that you are familiar with and then start that scale on the 2nd degree of that scale and play up to the same pitch name as we did above. So, as another example, if you start with the G Major scale:<\/p>\n
G\u00a0 A\u00a0 B\u00a0 C\u00a0 D\u00a0 E\u00a0 F#\u00a0 G<\/p>\n
and then start this scale on the A and end on A, we arrive at:<\/p>\n
A\u00a0 B\u00a0 C\u00a0 D\u00a0 E\u00a0 F#\u00a0 G\u00a0 A<\/p>\n
Yes! That’s the A Dorian scale!<\/p>\n
We mentioned that this scale is also referred to as a “mode” and we are going to get into further explanation of modes and we’ll also be looking at more of them. However, now that we know this scale sounds so good with the min7 chord, have some fun with playing some patterns. using it.<\/p>\n
For example, play an Amin7 chord with your left hand and, with your right hand, play a pattern starting on the first note (A) like this:<\/p>\n
A\u00a0 B\u00a0 C,\u00a0 B\u00a0 C\u00a0 D,\u00a0 C\u00a0 D\u00a0 E… and continue. Listen to this!<\/p>\n
Okay, now go find a favorite standard song that you are learning to improvise on\u00a0and, when you have a minor 7 chord, consider improvising an idea over that chord. In other words, use what you are learning. It is in the\u00a0 where the “gold” exists!<\/p>\n
Remember,<\/p>\n
Always…<\/p>\n
ALWAYS…<\/p>\n
PLAY WITH PASSION!<\/p>\n
Musically,<\/p>\n
Dave
\nwww.PianoAmore.net
\nwww.ProProach.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Of the many piano scales that you will want to familiarize yourself with is the Dorian mode. Let’s take a look at this special scale, which you will find yourself using frequently while improvising on piano. First, to easily understand the construction of the Dorian mode, we will begin by taking a look at the … <\/p>\n