Basic Music Theory: How to Read, Write, and Understand Written Music

Basic Music Theory

Dorian

The Dorian mode begins on the second degree of the Major scale and in

the key of C goes from D to D on the white keys of the piano. The pattern

of whole and half steps is WHWWWHW.

There are 12 Dorian scales, corresponding to the 12 key signatures. The

Dorian mode is a minor-sounding scale used in rock, jazz, blues, and

fusion.

Example 25.2 Dorian mode ascending.

Phrygian

You’ve probably caught on to the pattern by now. Phrygian begins on the

third degree of the Major scale and in the key of C is E to E on the white

keys of the piano. The whole-half step pattern is HWWWHWW.

This mode has a Spanish flavor and is used in flamenco music, fusion,

and speed metal. Twelve of these, too. In fact, 12 of all of them.

Example 25.3 Phrygian mode ascending.