D Dorian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | D | P1 |
| 2 | Supertonic | E | M2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | F | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | G | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | A | P5 |
| 6 | Submediant | B | M6 |
| ♭7 | Subtonic | C | m7 |
How to Play the D Dorian Mode
Practice the D Dorian Mode hands separately at a slow, steady tempo before putting them together. Aim for even rhythm and a relaxed wrist. The goal is a smooth, connected line where every note sounds the same length and volume. Once both hands feel comfortable on their own, layer them at the same slow tempo and only speed up when the joined version is clean.
Right Hand (RH)
Place your right hand over the keys with the thumb on the root. Use the fingering: 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5 (1 = thumb, 2 = index, 3 = middle, 4 = ring, 5 = pinky).
Watch for the thumb tuck: the thumb (1) passes under your fingers at note 4. Keep your wrist level and quiet. Only the thumb moves under, the hand stays in place above the keys.
Left Hand (LH)
For the left hand, start with your pinky on the root. Use the fingering: 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1
Watch for the crossover: a long finger (3 or 4) crosses over the thumb at note 6. Lift the long finger over cleanly without disturbing the thumb. Descending the scale, the thumb will pass under at the same spots in reverse.
Common Tones
Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the D mode shares with its parallel modes (same root, different scale) helps with improvisation, modal interchange, and smooth voice leading. The more notes two modes share, the more closely related they sound, and the easier it is to slide between them in a solo or progression.
| Parallel Mode | Common Notes | Shared / 7 |
|---|---|---|
| D Phrygian | D – E – F – G – A – B – C – D | 8 / 7 |
| D Lydian | D – E – F – G – A – B – C – D | 8 / 7 |
| D Mixolydian | D – E – F – G – A – B – C – D | 8 / 7 |
| D Locrian | D – E – F – G – A – B – C – D | 8 / 7 |
| D Ionian | D – E – F – G – A | 5 / 7 |
| D Aeolian | D – E – F – G – A | 5 / 7 |