Music Composition DUMmIES

Dorian ....................................................................................................

Figure 6-7 shows the D Dorian mode. To build a Dorian mode on another note

besides D, you would use the pattern WHWWWHW.

The Dorian mode is most commonly heard in Celtic music and early American

folk songs derived from Irish melodies. Songs written in Dorian mode sound

melancholy and soulful because the final note of the scale doesn’t quite resolve

itself, so it feels almost like a question left unanswered.

Phrygian ................................................................................................

Figure 6-8 shows the E Phrygian mode. To build a Phrygian mode on another

note besides E, you would use the pattern HWWWHWW.

Most flamenco music is written in the Phrygian mode, which has a bright,

Middle-Eastern sound to it that works well with folk and traditional dance

music. Many modern composers and guitarists commonly use Phrygian

modes with major scales (instead of minor scales) because it sounds brighter

and less melancholic than the minor scale.

&4

4

œ œ œ œ

œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ

œ ̇

Figure 6-8:

The

Phrygian

mode can

give your

music a bit

of exotic

spice.

& 4

4

œ œ œ œ

œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ

̇

Figure 6-7:
The Dorian
mode
sounds
melancholy
and full of
bittersweet
longing.

Chapter 6: Scales and Modes, Moods and Melodies 61