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.

[@midstrings]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@jamesmartindale1344]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@matth2868]

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

[@henmat3000]

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

[@bills8857]

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

[@craigwilliamdayton]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. 🎶🌟👍

[@usegall]

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

[@daymoonfarm2903]

Honestly, I don't understand any of this. But I'm fascinated. I promise i will be watching more videos like this.

[@ArchieOnEarth]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Syncop8rNZ]

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

[@everythingpotatoversion1201]

Yess!!😂

[@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.

[@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

[@RYTMIKEISARI]

My second favourite mode, right after mixolydian!

[@jrjazz]

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

[@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:)

[@jimrogers7425]

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

[@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!

[@shredgd5]

The SLO crunch tone is the best of the three for me!

[@TheAudres]

Can you make a video explaining this material for the guitar?

[@craigdanj]

Thumbs up before watching the video out of excitement...

[@graemebarnes4405]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@haldalorian]

So cool to parse this out on my acoustic guitar, too. I could move around the chord shapes so expressively. Really looking forward to showing some riffs to my guitar teach.

[@gstlynx]

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

[@electricworkshop4462]

Thank you for doing this series from scratch

[@DW_drums]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@smokingun397]

It's a D Major scale starting on E. That's an easy way to remember every Dorian scale. Just play the major scale of a tone lower than the scale you want to make Dorian. D Dorian is the C Major scale A Dorian is the G major scale etc...

[@jazzguitarneophyte-christo7988]

@smokingun397-Yes, once this method you described here was taught to me, I understood it.

[@andre.1984]

Yeah, but remember that what makes the modal sound is the intervals relative to the root. That is where the particular tension/colour of the mode comes from. I find it more useful to memorise the intervals, because you will then know that the difference between playing D Aeolian and D Dorian is that you have to raise the 6th. Once you memorise the intervals, you can play the mode in any key, because, it will always be 1-2-b3-4-5-6-b7. Pick a random key, let's say B. Then B Dorian becomes B-C#-D-E-F#-G#-A. Then you build the chords out of those notes.

[@smokingun397]

@@andre.1984 I only mean that it's an easy way to remember how to find Dorian as everyone should surely know the major scale if they are looking at Modes

[@smokingun397]

@@andre.1984 'Raise the 6th', 'intervals relative to the root' etc are all very confusing things to a new person being introduced to Modes

[@andre.1984]

@@smokingun397 That's true, since all scales are defined relative to the major scale.

[@rjmacready8830]

Check out the Dorian mode in Terry Kath's "25 or 6 to 4" and Jimmy Page's "Heartbreaker" solos.

[@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

[@twostep919]

HOLY MOLY that is some secret sauce! Amazing presentation, really helps me lock in this sound.

[@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.

[@eclectum2]

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

[@fjalar4856]

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

[@starrynightguitars]

Man, Rick that first song was so beautiful.

[@Andrew-wq6ge]

yes! white boards and modes are my favorite.

[@markmutambuka1393]

The teachings are great,how I wish we had more practical explanation of the composition. It would be a step in internalising the theory

[@BlockDefender]

The video quality is astounding

[@sotirios6882]

It's unbelievable that he has over 4 million subs on his other channel. This channel doesn't even have 1 million. Come on people if you're subbed to his other channel you should automatically be subbed to this one.

[@tbx59]

Dorian has always been my favorite to play on bass

[@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.

[@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!

[@georgespencer3973]

I LOVE these whiteboards, Rick!

[@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 🎶

[@KKMcK1]

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

[@kingmojo.1194]

Please please please more of these with all the modes

[@johnlojek9432]

I thought this video would introduce the concept of modes and then highlight where I’ve heard the Dorian mode, but it kind of took off and left me in the dust early on. I don’t think I was the intended audience for this one 😄

[@Dave-nm3xc]

I'm glad to see this series coming back; I love it. I've learned music theory by watching your white board videos.

[@basswanderer2765]

I think I just fell I love with the Dorian mode.

[@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!

[@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.

[@timsmith9485]

So emotive…that music at the beginning

[@reziahamed6654]

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

[@Baskl757]

Perfect timing I'm just getting back into guitar. Just learned the minor pentanic acrosd the fretboard.

[@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!

[@canineguy672]

Excellent. Please do more whiteboard. videos.

[@martincox9691]

After years of hard work and practice, I still suck at guitar but I can understand Rick’s theory videos. I’ll call that a win!

[@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.

[@jgladwig]

Rick, I for one, and probably most music education academics, would love to hear you discuss when you use this theoretical understanding consciously v. when you are just unconsciously in the groove. When you learned, years ago, which came first? The feeling of the sound, v. the theoretical pattern? Etc.

[@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.

[@MelTuly]

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

[@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.

[@jerryallaway2667]

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

[@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!😁😁

[@miabelladoria6582]

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

[@TheWorldAccordingToArf]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@kdavis63]

Yes, love the white board!

[@stevegarrettmusic]

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

[@metashrew]

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

[@MrSargenti]

I went to G.I.T. when I was 18 in 1980. I learned all this back then. HOWEVER, I would learn it all again and ANEW by watching your videos. These are great videos! I wish your Beato Book and teaching method was around when I was learning to play. I’ve often wanted to “start over” and learn everything again from scratch at age 61. Just to see what would happen… These Whiteboard Videos are right up my alley. I quit playing music when I turned 50 due to a lack of time to maintain my advanced level chops. Too frustrating trying to work a 12 hour shift and maintain performance level chet atkins style chops. Gave it up. totally quit at 50. Would like to maybe learn piano when I retire.

[@aleksamrkela831]

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

[@j.hammer573]

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

[@stephenreese9841]

Okay Rick, let's get you into movie sound track composition..... c'mon!!!

[@thedonbishop55]

Great lesson. I’ve been playing guitar for years so I love music theory.

[@gholmes4917]

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

[@clownhands]

Your composition is nice. It sounds like interstitial music from The West Wing where something serious is happening but they’re gonna figure it out before the end of the episode.

[@smokingun397]

My only point is to show complete beginners an easy way to find the notes of every Dorian mode, that's it. I have no intention of negating Rick's lesson. Just purely physically being able to find which notes to play for every Dorian scale

[@unlikelycontender2229]

Basically, pick a key. Then figure out the major scale for that key. The major scale is the mother scale from which all other scales and or modes are made. Once you have the major scale, flatten (aka, lower by a semitone) the 3rd and 7th notes of it. Example would be, say you want C Dorian... First take the C Major scale: C, D, E, F, G, A, B Flatten the 3rd and 7th notes (E and B) Leaves you with C Dorian: C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb You can do that to any major scale to get Dorian: just flatten the 3rd and 7th notes. Hope that helps!

[@unlikelycontender2229]

Oops sorry, forgot to say in case you didnt know: In order to find the major scale, you move Tone, Tone, Semi-Tone, Tone, Tone, Tone, Semi-tone from the Root note of your key. So as with my above example, the root note of C major is C (the first note of the scale).