The Dorian Mode Explained

[@Felipe.CorreaL]

So happy to see this series of teaching comeback

[@bumrecordingstudios]

Me too! :D

[@ZachMcCordProg]

I know, and before I think Rick was filming on his phone or something when he originally did this series. With his nice camera and the new guy who edits his videos, this look wonderful and so much better now

[@yaksmanj5597]

Me too. I made a comment last week asking for this. Happy 🤗

[@___HH___]

I have studied Professor Beato's videos now for 10 or 11 years and I while I enjoy every one of them, I appreciate these "white board" classes most of all. I'm not a guitarist so seeing these classes from the keyboard vantage point is just so much more helpful. Thank you Professor. I appreciate you and wish you continued success with your work.

[@Bumbaclartios]

Is Beato actually a professor? I could believe it he might as well be lol

[@mobsiesixsixsix9785]

@@Bumbaclartios Look up his resume, he's taught music to degree level. He's the read deal.

[@josephramone5805]

BY FAR the most practical and applicable lesson on modes anywhere on KZbin. One hint, Rick: the less experienced will need to know why E is minor if it's the first degree of the mode. The association to D as the first degree of the major scale, by which E is minor(the second degree of the D major scale), needs to be explained a bit better.

[@midstrings]

This is so refreshing and made me nostalgic that how I used to watch these vedioes. ❤❤❤❤

[@Whitestripe71]

I clicked on this assuming it was going to be a reposted old video from the main channel - so it's a really pleasant surprise that it's something new. I'm thrilled that your're doing this white board type of video again. It looks great, too - much better filmed than the older videos. And the content is just fantastic - I love that you talk about sus chords - people often overlook them. I'm so grateful for this type of video, very helpful and inspirational, thanks.

[@stevetreppin530]

That piece you wrote moved me so much can’t stress it enough

[@craigwilliamdayton]

Thank you, Rick. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to create this. Beautiful composition of yours, by the way.

[@jamesmartindale1344]

If only I had this knowledge when I started playing 45 years ago. Rick, you are a treasure my friend.

[@masterbuilder3166]

Its easy to just sat E dorian is the D major scale starting on the 2nd tone, but when you start explaining all the chords and progressions it takes on a completely different level of complexity that actually takes study to understand. Great lesson Rick, will be ordering the bundle soon. Your the best sir

[@altrogeruvah]

When teachers show you first the final results of the journey you'll spend some time venturing is the best way to convey a lesson's goal and potential and I'm surprised that only a very small set of people do that. You're a great teacher, Rick!

[@johnstuartkeller5244]

I'm a musician with a few albums under my belt, mostly collaborative works, and song writer with only an instinctive idea of music theory. Your videos are a Godsend, mate. Thank you.

[@philtaylor8863]

Dorian mode comes from the province of Doros on the island of Crete and means gift. Beware Greeks baring gifts. The mode is soft dark and mysterious but the major sixth gives the gift of light. The Spartans were Dorian fierce warriors with long red hair and spears. They safeguard the kingdom of Sparta for Hercules who was gifted it by Zeus. Dorian.

[@hugginjohnny5934]

Very cool

[@dustandsnow]

where can i find out more about this history?

[@ThvonS]

So...Dorian Gray has nothing to do with it? Asking for a friend (Oscar W.) ps. Nice composition

[@philtaylor8863]

@@ThvonS That’s a really interesting question because he was given the gift of eternal youth and it is a dark and mysterious story. There would need to be that element of possible redemption or light for it to be a Dorian tale. You could say Mr Grey comes to to terms with his malefice destroying the picture and releasing himself.

[@lalolanda3996]

I'm not sure but i think the Greeks called dorian the scale we know today as phrygian, which makes more sense

[@DW_drums]

Incredible teaching, learnt more in 16 minutes than years of struggling with notes/scales. And the original composition was beautiful too !

[@henmat3000]

More of this, Rick. I love modes and I'd love to learn more about them specifically by you, Rick.

[@OperationNorthwoods]

Rick, I have been playing piano since 6 years of age (I am your age). My piano teacher was a wonderful teacher; steeped in classical instruction and music theory. I picked up trumpet, vibes, and French horn at age 11. I made the critical mistake not continuing music theory study through the years even though I play to this day. I want to thank you for these theory courses because I have desperately wanted and needed informative and engaging instruction such as this. When I am able to find a job and have a bit of disposable income, I am going to purchase your Beato Bundle because I want your more detailed courses and also want to learn guitar; an instrument I love but never learned to play. I have short, stubby fingers and always thought the guitar would be too difficult to play. Thanks again for your wonderful instruction and informative artist videos.

[@dudustickytricks]

That composition was beautiful! It reminded me a lot of Poppy Ackroyd's work. I enjoy your content tremendously, from the teaching, to the interviews, to the rants! Thank you!

[@jakubborczuch7543]

Ive started modes with my guitar tracher who also is a high school music teacher. He explained it so well but it took time for me to process the whole thing. Its all about linking it to the beginning and end and trying not to get lost in the middle, as funny as it sounds. Music Theory is hard but it is there to conquer and can be a handy dandy tool.

[@williamrobinson7435]

Knowledge of The Seven Natural Modes is SUCH a powerful tool for a creative musician. You've certainly squeezed a lot from the Dorian upon E there Rick! And the composition is lovely, really enjoyable. 🎶🌟👍

[@michaelgray2070]

I *LOVE* videos like this. Not only are you awesome with teaching this stuff, but you tie it back to the music I know, love, and would like to apply the theory to in you other videos. The more academic path really complements you more -- pop culture and history path!

[@usegall]

I love it … have been following Rick for years now, and I am glad the whiteboard series came back … all the best

[@2oqp577]

Understanding the basis of modes is great but exploring them like that brings me to another level. My father wasn't much of a music teacher. Thanks for plugging the hole Rick.

[@panagiotisexplorer213]

I discovered you through these kinds of videos and especially the 'Secrets of Film Composing' series (and 'What Makes This Song Great,' of course). I am really glad to see these are coming back again.

[@christophergetchell6490]

I am so glad that you're getting back to this! I'm watching this for the second time today as I used your awesome piece to practice this morning! There's a beautifully "hopeful" quantity to the Dorian mode, especially with the use of that Lydian triad! You definitely got some of the juices flowing today!

[@jimrogers7425]

Beautiful piece in E Dorian, Rick! WOW!! Great video! Cheers!

[@fjalar4856]

At last, this is so beautiful. Thank you Rick. Reminds me of when I discovered your channel 7 years ago❤

[@rowegardner9673]

Also thank you for interspersing the verbal and visual examples with audio examples of how these things sound. Really helps for ear training and just getting a sense of the application of these sorts of concepts!

[@grizelda4526]

Whiteboard lectures!!!❤❤❤ As cool as it is to hear an interview with Sting this is why I fell in love with this channel. Thanks Rick.

[@karlreimann4950]

Great episode, thank Rick! I love the way you can see the tones and frequencies physically and emotionally affecting you.

[@gstlynx]

Rick you enrich my life in so many ways. As you played your Dorian composition I swear I could feel it was you.

[@TheWorldAccordingToArf]

You're the best, Rick. Thank you. The world is richer for you being in it.

[@jancarryperez1164]

Ive been classicaly trained for 7 years, now im 15, i wish to be a pioneer of prog rock and i have 2 bands, a Yes tribute band, and an original jazz fusion band. Ive been listening to other bands (appart from Yes) like Gentle Giant, Genesis... and many many many and i mean many that use this scale. Bands like this make me have a dream, the dream to make music and for millions of people to love, yet bringing the complexity of music again. Thanks Beato, although you might not read this comment, i am heavily proud to comment this.

[@tmarkrogers]

How wonderful to see a young person being inspired by such creative bands as Gentle Giant and educated by videos such as this. Having grown up with bands like GG, I'm now at the other end of my musical exploration - but still have soooooo muchhhhh to learn! I wish you every success in your dream.

[@jancarryperez1164]

@@tmarkrogers Thank you sir, i am the only one at my school and generation (that i know of) that knows these bands (Hawkwind, Gong...) honestly i can keep going, say, what might be your favourite prog album or favourite GG album?

[@tmarkrogers]

@@jancarryperez1164 I must say that I enjoy all their albums for different reasons, but if I was forced to make a choice then 'Three Friends', 'Octopus' and 'Power and the Glory' would be towards the top and 'Giant For A Day's would be at the bottom 🤣

[@Samantha-vlly]

I wish I was exposed and trained like you My parents love to play music and my mother’s side but they didn’t really had that interest or motivation to make me into music Throughout years, I develop deep interest with old music and I listen to it closely over and over again. It just gave me great feeling inside. But now, I will be planning to expose and play(piano specifically) at the age 18. Also, I discovered Genesis last year, incredible works.

[@Strannen]

Good for you. Those are good bands to listen to. However, those bands are among the actual pioneers. You yourself cannot be a pioneer because the genre was created decades ago. Keep those bands going and keep the genre alive!

[@j.hammer573]

Love the deep dive teachings. This is great you’re returning to this type of content.

[@Dibdibber]

For me having C in the root is way more accesible when learning modes - it keeps a consistent center to make you focus better on the mode steps and differences between modes:)

[@cwspringer]

WOW! I love the piece you composed. It immediately took me to a cross between Chip Davis (Mannheim) and Kevin Moore (Dr. Theat. orig. keys). Loved it and the instruction on this afterward was great. Thank you, RickOmatic!

[@andreww9875]

This is amazing. My whole guitar-playing life the modes have just been a series of strange sounding scale progressions, but seeing and understanding the logic of the enabled triads opens up my mind completely. Makes sense!

[@matth2868]

This just made so much sense to me. Modal chords always intimidated me. Now thry don't. This was super helpful.

[@r0bophonic]

Love this new format as well as your composition Rick! May I make a suggestion? I think it would be helpful at the outset of the video to list the prerequisites to understanding the content. For example, for this video the prerequisites might include: 1. What is a key? (Link to resource) 2. What is a mode? (Link to resource) 3. Etc… This would reduce the amount of comments saying “this makes no sense” etc., while promoting your other videos and paid course content. Just a thought as I feel sympathy for those who feel baffled by your instructional content, and I know your mission is to educate.

[@stoneysdead689]

This is so cool- I learn these scales from someone else who just showed me the pattern and didn't explain any of the logic behind it. So, I'm looking at what Rick has laid out here thinking "Thats not the Dorian scale I learned, I must've been shown wrong." then I worked it out- it is the scale I learned, just laid out differently. When it's all played on one string it just seems different. The way this stuff simplifies down to the same thing- is so cool. It's just like doing maths where you learn to check your self by inputting the answer you got and seeing if you can backward engineer it back into the equation you just solved. I wish I understood how they derived the chords from each note though- how do they know if it's minor, major, diminished? I mean I can memorize the pattern for each scale but- there has to be some way to logic it out- right? Man- these suspended chords sound so good- this is what I've been missing. This lesson is like a huge breakthrough for me Rick- thank you so much. I'm starting to understand why so many ppl learn theory on piano to- I've got to get a good keyboard. I can already transpose what I know from playing guitar to the piano- it's simple. I can find all my chords and stuff- I just need to get my fingers used to the mechanics of playing. But having all the notes laid out in succession like that- instead of broken up over six strings that are redundant- makes things much more straight forward. Besides, Jan Hammer plays some of the best guitar solos I've ever heard- on his keyboard. That man is a freak of nature- he does things with his keyboard I can't copy with my real guitar.

[@BlockDefender]

The video quality is astounding

[@MelTuly]

Hiya oh my thank you so much . Beautiful composition and visuals too . Thank you for sharing. The lesson amazing 🙏💚💙

[@KKMcK1]

Now you're talking!!! Your composition here is exactly what I have been waiting to hear from you!!! Nice video, too!

[@Iser1999]

We need this type of video explaining every mode of the major scale and maybe every mode of harmonic minor. Rick is a God at music

[@BlackNoteStudios]

Love it. Though, I wish you were applying these concepts on electric guitar. As a teacher myself for 30 years, I understand why you are doing and have done it on piano. I just feel that for the large rock/metal/pop audience that follows you (the majority of your content is rock/classic rock/pop focused), hearing examples of Dorian riffs, chord progressions, or even how two guitarist would utilize dorian harmonies, would gain you more views, educate a wider audience, and ultimately produce better songwriters. Love the series Rick. Would love to hear original "examples" of applied theory for rock rhythm and lead guitar.

[@tribuneband1965]

I 'm impressed by the level of music knowledge you have. I wish I could be already there. A Fan from South of France

[@stevegarrettmusic]

I absolutely loved this. You have a knack of demystifying this stuff so well. I look forward to more of this.

[@ramonzeira]

I'm always amazed by how insanely complex music theory is.

[@TheLochs]

Its not that bad. Its a bit of brute memorization but it can be learned in a year or two. At least a really good foundation.

[@metashrew]

Im so glad you open the video with a piece in the mode. Thats how any music related tutorial should start; with listening

[@christopherkassner8894]

I love the Dorian sound. Lydian has a light-happy sound. Almost playful. I guess that’s why it’s used in films. Life without music would totally suck. Music is the gift that keeps on giving. It’s an amazing journey!

[@eclectum2]

Thank you, that's a very nicely presented explanation, I'll be pointing a few people at this one.

[@gholmes4917]

Yes, thank you Rick. We recently purchased a piano keyboard for the kids, hopefully this series will help and inspire.

[@catzdollz9810]

THANK- YOU THANK- YOU THANK- YOU!!!!!!! I'm a beginner guitarist, watching YT videos to learn my first chords, etc.

[@eDrumsInANutshell]

I am a drummer trying to learn chords. That's a thing. The circle of fifth seems to be a magic structure. It contains ALL infos.I use an app called Pocket Composer. There is also a guy on KZbin discussing the circle of fifth in so much detail.

[@VegasAlien1]

Beautiful original piece and the lansdscapes you paired them with were extraordinary. Perfect match. I'm a drummer slowly learning piano and greatly appreciate how you teach. Keep doing what you do.

[@leascaart]

AWESOME!!! Now, you have new technology to do this even better. I'm THRILLED you are doing this. I've been following you for at least 5 years and I missed some of these lessons. But like I mentioned, there is better technology to improve this online lessons. Love ya, Rick. Peace and love, brother.

[@nab626]

This just blows me away. I can feel my brain cells growing! I studied music at a major university many years ago- jazz too- we didn’t learn any of this stuff then. Or perhaps my brain wasn’t ready for it yet!

[@reziahamed6654]

Badly looking forward for the Phrygian / Lydian lectures as well... Really adore your teaching & much love 🙏🙏👍🎉

[@stoneyroberts9118]

Rick you’re the best! You always have such great content and I try to keep up with it but I’m always amazed how to can manage and do everything that you do! I mean juggling with creative content, family matters and all the great artist you interview Wow. Cheers

[@RichardEarle-l5w]

Very clear and comprehensible video Rick. Thank you. Perhaps I am further along now but, often I was left in the WHAT? zone. I loved the inclusion of the sus4 angle. The attic got a little brighter. I do have your bundle but, I got it before the guitar module. I'll have to pick that up. I do hope you continue in this bite sized format.

[@aleksamrkela831]

I missed this video series dearly! Beautiful presentation as always!

[@jerryallaway2667]

Rick, your composition is amazing. Such clever usage of dorian mode techniques! I could listen to that all night!

[@jrjazz]

This is great Rick! I would love to see how to combine the chords on guitar vs. piano.

[@dorian_eltze]

Looking forward to this series, thank you Rick!

[@mattiefee]

Rick, you are very appreciated for all you share with us !

[@kevincross8372]

Thank you for taking the time to write about this and many more to list items that you have covered over the years! Really helpful for me and everyone else who has been skipping the hard part weather it's just add it is just that hard for those like me to slow down and get the message on intervalic theary. Thanks again!😁😁

[@electricworkshop4462]

Thank you for doing this series from scratch

[@markyoungmusic]

That was awesome, Rick! So useful.

[@miabelladoria6582]

Excellent pacing and description of the theory in a casual approachable way. loved it

[@martindl9897]

Yeah!!!! Happy to hear this!!

[@louisflege3741]

This blew my mind! Thank you for showing me something that made a concept I had could be simplified this way. I never gave it much thought until I started your white board videos a few years ago. Great stuff!

[@Syncop8rNZ]

The way I think of modes is it's just the major scale with the same family of chords but the tonal centre has moved.

[@mybrandaccount6852]

@@Syncop8rNZ I agree, and the fact that the tonal center has moved is probably the most important concept to adhere to when it comes to using modes. BTW, modes can be based on a minor scale too. Your '"same family of chords" applies there as well.

[@bills8857]

This was great. Thank you. I recently watched Glengarry Glenn Ross. I think that whole soundtrack is based on this scale.

[@JohnPaulRiger]

Really great video! Thank you so much for the precise explanation of the structure and nomenclature. When I’m improvising I’m unable to think in such precise terms. Unless I’m playing composition from memory I resort to a simplified rationale. In this case it would be when improvising in any minor mode it’s simple to trust the notes of the major scale one whole tone beneath it. I realize it’s perhaps too simplified, but it encourages me to pursue harmonic quality. Development of technique naturally follows. This works especially well for me when performing spontaneously live with others music that is unscripted or unrehearsed. I will follow your channel for more great tutorials. Again, thank you so much.

[@BlueBeeMCMLXI]

You're looking good! This is a great way to get the SOUND in your head! Thank you, sir.

[@ArchieOnEarth]

I finally understood modes (and Dorian in particular) while figuring out Branford Marsalis' solo in Sting's Fortress Around Your Heart

[@ClarenceCochran-ne7du]

Excellent explanation and Demonstrations. The Dorian Mode is a noodling fave of mine for a very long time.

[@mauromarionbizzotto]

Fantastic, Rick!!! Hurray!!

[@rawkinj6609]

Thank you for being a teacher!❤

[@starrynightguitars]

Man, Rick that first song was so beautiful.

[@larrycallaway2987]

Thank You Rick !!

[@georgespencer3973]

I LOVE these whiteboards, Rick!

[@Andrea_Manconi]

YEEEEEEAH!!! Good move, Rick! 🔥

[@graemebarnes4405]

Great to see the white board series back Rick. It's been a great help for theory for students here in South Africa.

[@Chilajuana]

Awesome composition Rick!!!

[@Onemoretake01]

I loved the video! Im saving this one for reference

[@BruceKnowlton-muse]

gorgeous . . . great to have the series back!

[@AlphaMega22]

This is what I look forward to! Thank you Rick!

[@jerrypayne9332]

Thanks so much for the whiteboard series, Rick! I find them so inspiring.

[@connyjohnson855]

Thank you Rick! I love this. I feel like most privileged person on earth having you as my tutor in music theory via your excellent videos 😀👍

[@Syncop8rNZ]

This mode also has a Raised Rick at 0:59.

[@everythingpotatoversion1201]

Yess!!😂

[@marksmith7789]

This so intereseting and informative, opens up such wonderful sounds. I'll have to watch it a lot as my memory is really dreadful, it's a medical thing but watching this stuff helps with my memory too, win win.

[@user-jl2wn7bn8p]

I've always just played these kinda voicing on the piano as they're what I feel but didn't know that There's a whole theory behind it. you are doing great work Rick!

[@oliverefremov6633]

That song was plain beautiful... I've come to get used to Dorian 7th's in a more pop/rock-related context, never realized things can go this way too :)

[@taleman730]

Bravo! So good to see you teaching this. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you....

[@ej2365]

Love these kind of lessons! 👍

[@stephenpatterson2653]

Great Video Rick. I love your explanation of the Dorian mode and how you can use it.

[@timsmith9485]

So emotive…that music at the beginning

[@SuperWave86]

❤ awesome video Ric, very inspiring for me to try out on my keyboard and come up with new voicings for music like a cook book recipe with music 🎶

[@Mrlin13]

Beautiful composition, Rick, it reminds me of the final section of Tom Petty's "It's Good to Be King," melancholy but still a little hopeful. Lovely.

[@ChristopherWalker007]

That was a great lesson. I learned so much about structuring and layering chords. Thank you Ric. 👍

[@larrybwoy2970]

Great video! One of the best channels on KZbin. Thank you Rick!

[@Andrew-wq6ge]

yes! white boards and modes are my favorite.

[@kdavis63]

Yes, love the white board!

[@damienro0]

Oh man Rick missed so much this kind of videos! I gotta admin didnt follow much of you commentary kind of content but definetly this is why I started to follow you!