Let’s talk about Dorian and Mixolydian triads.
This lesson is written for intermediate keyboard players who love popular music styles like gospel, jazz, blues, country, etc., and would love to spice up their playing using triads from the Dorian and Mixolydian modes.
So, I’ll be taking you by the hand and showing you Dorian and Mixolydian triads step-by-step if you invest the next 10 minutes or less reading this blog.
A Quick Review On The Dorian And Mixolydian Modes
In the theory of music, the terms Dorian and Mixolydian are associated with modes. Let’s refresh our minds on these modes before we proceed into learning about their triads.
The Dorian Mode
The Dorian mode is an ancient scale/key system that is associated with all the white notes on the keyboard from D to D:
Although modes are not designed to be transposed, however, with the advent of the concept of key, the Dorian mode can be formed by playing any given major scale by starting and ending on the second tone.
For example, starting and ending the D major scale:
…on the second tone (which is E:)
…produces the E Dorian scale:
“Check Out All The Dorian Scales On The Keyboard…”
C Dorian Scale:
C# Dorian Scale:
D Dorian Scale:
Eb Dorian Scale:
E Dorian Scale:
F Dorian Scale:
F# Dorian Scale:
G Dorian Scale:
Ab Dorian Scale:
A Dorian Scale:
Bb Dorian Scale:
B Dorian Scale:
The Mixolydian Mode
The Mixolydian mode is just like the Dorian mode. However, it is associated with G:
So, playing all the white notes on the keyboard from G to G:
…produces the Mixolydian mode.
The Mixolydian mode can be transposed by considering it as the major scale that is started and ended on the fifth tone. So, starting and ending the A major scale:
…from its fifth tone (which is E):
…produces the E Mixolydian scale:
“Check Out All The Mixolydian Scales On The Keyboard…”
C Mixolydian Scale:
C# Mixolydian Scale:
D Mixolydian Scale:
Eb Mixolydian Scale:
E Mixolydian Scale:
F Mixolydian Scale:
F# Mixolydian Scale:
G Mixolydian Scale:
Ab Mixolydian Scale:
A Mixolydian Scale:
Bb Mixolydian Scale:
B Mixolydian Scale:
Dorian Triads — Explained
Dorian triads are particularly the triads that can be formed on every tone of the Dorian scale. For example, using the D Dorian scale (as a reference):
…triads can be formed on every tone of the D Dorian scale.
On the first tone (which is D):
…is the D minor triad:
On the second tone (which is E):
…is the E minor triad:
On the third tone (which is F):
…is the F major triad:
On the fourth tone (which is G):
…is the G major triad:
On the fifth tone (which is A):
…is the A minor triad:
On the sixth tone (which is B):
…is the B diminished triad:
On the seventh tone (which is C):
…is the C major triad:
These triads are collectively referred to as Dorian triads because the are derived from the tones of the D Dorian scale.
Harmonization Of The Dorian Scale Using Dorian Triads
The Dorian scale can be harmonized by playing Dorian triads in first inversion. For example, playing the first triad in the D Dorian scale:
…which is the D minor triad:
…in first inversion:
…harmonizes the first tone of the D Dorian scale (which is D):
…because the highest-sounding pitch in the first inversion of the D minor triad:
…is D:
Every other tone in the D Dorian scale can be harmonized using the corresponding Dorian triad, played in first inversion.
“Here’s The Harmonization Of The D Dorian Scale…”
D:
E:
F:
G:
A:
B:
C:
D:
Recommendation: Feel free to practice these triads and harmonization for every other Dorian scale on the keyboard.
Final Words
Using these triads, you can take your blues and jazz playing to the next level.
In a subsequent lesson, we’ll be learning how these triads can be used to create triad patterns and increase harmonic interest.
See you then!
Chuku Onyemachi
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