The Dorian mode is one of the seven modes derived from the diatonic major scale. It is essentially a major scale starting from the second note. For example, the D Dorian scale will contain the same notes as the C Major scale but starting from D (D, E, F, G, A, B, C, and back to D). The intervals between notes in D Dorian are: whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half, whole. This gives the Dorian mode a minor quality, as it contains a minor 3rd.
The Dorian mode has a unique, somewhat melancholic character. It sits somewhere between the major and minor scales in terms of its emotional color, being more somber-sounding than major, but also less dark than minor. It is often used in rock, jazz, and blues music to create a modal, old-world feel.
As for how it's used in music composition, the Dorian mode adds a new tonal color to a composer's palette. It can be used to create harmonic and melodic structures that sound different from those crafted with major or minor scales.
One of its intrinsic qualities is the sound of the natural 6th interval, which gives the Dorian mode a unique character. This interval can be leveraged in various ways, including in chord progressions, melodies, or soloing/improvisations in jazz and rock.
There are numerous distinguished songs written in the Dorian mode. A prime example is "Scarborough Fair," a traditional English folksong popularized by Simon & Garfunkel, which is in E Dorian. Other popular songs include "So What" by Miles Davis, "Eleanor Rigby" by The Beatles, "Wicked Game" by Chris Isaak, and "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)" by Pink Floyd, among others. These songs all utilize the distinctive minor quality and natural 6th of the Dorian mode to create a unique sonic character.
Written by OpenAI GPT-4
Realizing News 
Leave a comment