Dorian

TQ-Explore Activity

Focus Three Explore World Sounds

The name of this mode is inspired by the people of Doris in ancient Greece.

Map highlighting historical locations with Italian, Greek, and Turkish flags, marking Doris from 480 to 294 BCE.

The Dorian mode is another ancient Greek mode with a unique sound. You will often hear it in jazz, blues, funk, and even some folk music, particularly Celtic melodies. It creates a cool, mellow, or sometimes thoughtful mood.

TQ Build Activity

Focus Nine Ancient Sounds

To play the D Dorian mode, simply start on the note D and play all the white notes on a piano until you reach the next D.

The D Dorian mode uses the notes D - E - F - G - A - B - C - D

Figure 4.2 D Dorian Mode

The Dorian mode sounds like a minor scale, but it has one special note that makes it brighter and more hopeful than a typical minor scale.

First, play the D natural minor scale (D-E-F-G-A-Bb-C-D).

Figure 4.3 D minor Scale

Then, play D Dorian (D-E-F-G-A-B-C-D). Can you hear the difference?

Listen to D minor (D Aeolian) and D Dorian modes

That B natural (the sixth note) is the 'special' note that gives the Dorian mode its unique sound. Compared to the D natural minor scale, the B natural gives Dorian a slightly 'lifted' or 'jazzy' feel. It is like a minor scale but with a hint of sunshine.

You could use a "thoughtful face" (for minor) and a "thoughtful face with a slight smile" or "a cool, jazzy grin" for Dorian.

The Dorian mode sounds like a minor scale, but it has one special note that makes it brighter and more hopeful than a typical minor scale.

The Dorian mode is heard in jazz and folk standards. Listen to So What by Miles Davies that highlights the Dorian mode and Stevie Wonder I Wish is in E flat Dorian. The popular folk song Scarborough Fair is also in the Dorian mode.

Listen to So What by Miles Davies that highlights the Dorian mode

Stevie Wonder I Wish is in E flat Dorian

In addition to medieval folk songs this mode is used in church music known as Gregorian chant.

If Ionian is 'happy and straightforward' and Mixolydian is 'heroic and adventurous,' what kind of scene or character would you use Dorian for? A cool, thoughtful detective, or a brave knight on a slightly sad journey?

TQ-Create Activity

Focus seven, create a piece using level scales, modes and chords

Using only the white notes, try to write a very short melody (4-8 notes) that starts and ends on G, and try to make it sound 'heroic' or 'bluesy'.

Remember that F natural is your special note.

Manuscript Paper Download

TQ Grow Activity

Focus two, complete a simple research project

Dorian Mode Questions.

1. What moods can the Dorian mode create?

2. In D Dorian, which note is different compared to a regular D natural minor scale?

3. Name one type of music where the Dorian mode is used.

4. How might a piece of music in D Dorian sound (e.g., sad, heroic, jazzy)?

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