a useful short cut...
Introduction
This month, i would like to give you a little short cut i often use to get to the Dorian mode sound.
instead of playing the entire scale, i just play a minor pentatonic scale up a whole step, “yes.. i like these pentatonics..”
Explanation
let’s say that we are in the key of D minor dorian, 2nd degree of C Maj scale. the entire D minor Dorian scale is : D, E , F, G , A , B ,C , / Root, 9, -3, 4/11, 5th, 6, -7th
Minor pentatonic up a whole step
E minor over D m7
Construction:
E minor pentatonic is: E ,G ,A ,B ,D / Root , -3rd , 4/11 , 5th , -7th
So, Over a Dm7 chord, the notes of Em pentatonic are:
Conclusion
this concept allows you to get quicker to the “strong” notes of that mode wich are to me the 9th and the perfect 6th.
this pentatonic up a whole step gives you all the notes we need to get a real Dorian sound with a very easy fingering, plus playing that way the intervals of the minor pentatonic are really musical.
use the examples below as a starting point and try to find your own way to use it.
Have fun, and try to be creative with what you learn, there are no rules!!
Steev
