Dorian

Link to Samples and Examples of Modes in Folk Songs

The notes of the Dorian mode in tonic solfa are sung as “re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do, re”. The D Dorian notes are D, E, F, G, A, B, C, D’ and you get this scale on a piano when you play upwards from D to D’ on the white keys. Note the distribution of the tone and semitone intervals in this scale:

D-(TONE)-E-(SEMI-TONE)-F-(TONE)-G-(TONE)-A-(TONE)-B-(SEMI-TONE)-C-(TONE)-D’

The Dorian scale is the same as the Mixolydian scale except that the third note is flattened by a semitone. To convert a Mixolydian to a Dorian key signature, add a flat to, or remove a sharp from, it. Likewise, to convert a Dorian to a Mixolydian key signature, remove a flat from, or add a sharp to, it.

To convert a Dorian to an Ionian key signature add 2 sharps to, or remove 2 flats from, it. Likewise, to convert an Ionian key signature to a Dorian key signature, add 2 flats to, or remove 2 sharps from, it.

Below you will find a sample of tunes in the Dorian scale.

01 Henry Martin (Cecil J. Sharp, 1916, One Hundred English Folk Songs)

Link: 01_Henry_Martin

Tune analysis: Key signature is D Aeolian but the single B (7th) is naturalised to produce a Dorian scale. Heptatonic, Authentic. If the single B were a Bb the scale would be Aeolian; if it were absent the scale would be a Hexatonic Dorian/Aeolian hybrid.

02 Bruton Town (Cecil J. Sharp, 1916, One Hundred English Folk Songs)

Link: 02_Bruton_Town

Tune Analysis: D Dorian, Heptatonic, Mainly Authentic (3 Cs dip blow the keynote).

Basket of Eggs Version 1 of 2 (GB/6a/17)

Link: https://www.vwml.org/search?q=GB/6a/17&is=1

Tune Analysis: Key signature is E Aeolian but all of the C naturals (7ths) are sharpened to produce a Dorian scale. Heptatonic, Mainly Authentic (2 Ds dip below the keynote).

Bold Thresherman Versions 1 of 2 and 2 of 2 (GB/6a/28 and GB/6a/29)

Links: https://www.vwml.org/search?q=GB/6a/28&is=1 and https://www.vwml.org/search?q=GB/6a/29&is=1

Tune Analysis (both versions): F Dorian, Heptatonic, Mainly Authentic (1 E dips below the keynote).

Bonny Blooming Highland Jane (GB/6a/30)

Link: https://www.vwml.org/search?q=GB/6a/30&is=1#

Tune Analysis: F Dorian, Heptatonic, Mainly Authentic (several Es dip below the keynote). The consistent 5/4 time signature is rather uncommon.

Green Bushes Version 2 of 5 (GB/6a/79)

Link: https://www.vwml.org/search?q=GB/6a/79&is=1#

Tune Analysis: F Dorian, Heptatonic, Mainly Authentic but there are some Es that dip below the keynote.