Tag Archives: Mode

Dorian Mode | Explanation and Modal Progression

written by: Scott Szeryk Ι posted on: April 9, 2015

Dorian mode is the second mode of the major scale.

Dorian mode’s formula is:  R 2 b3 4 5 6 b7 R

The notes in C Dorian mode are:  C D Eb F G A Bb C

It’s parent major scale is Bb major:  Bb C D Eb F G A Bb

The interval structure for Dorian Mode is:

Tone, Semi-Tone, Tone, Tone, Tone, Semi-Tone. Tone

or

Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole

Tone=2 frets, Major Second

Semi-Tone=1 fret, Minor Second

Whole Step=2 frets, Major Second

Half Step=1 fret, Minor Second

From an ear training perspective, Dorian mode sounds Bluesy.  You can hear it in the Im-bIII-IV blues progressions (Em-G-A)

Auditory Association (Songs):

  • LaGrange, Tush – ZZ Top
  • Hot for teacher, Somebody get me a doctor – Van Halen
  • Oye Como Va – Tito Puente/Santana
  • Purple Haze – Jimi Hendrix

 

Ionian Mode | Explanation and Modal Progression

written by: Scott Szeryk Ι posted on: March 26, 2015

Ionian is the first mode of the major scale.  It’a basically the Greek name for the modern major scale.

The notes in a C Ionian Scale are:  C D E F G A B C

The interval structure for Ionian Mode is:

Tone, Tone, Semi-Tone, Tone, Tone, Tone, Semi-Tone

or

Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half

Tone=2 frets, Major Second

Semi-Tone=1 fret, Minor Second

Whole Step=2 frets, Major Second

Half Step=1 fret, Minor Second

From an ear training perspective, Ionian sounds happy.

Auditory Association (Songs):

  • Jump, Dance the Night Away (Intro, Verse, Chorus) – Van Halen
  • Summer of 69 (Intro, Chorus) – Bryan Adams
  • Always with me, Always with you (main melody) – Joe Satriani