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Dorian mode

Definition

The Dorian mode is a musical scale that starts on the second degree of the major scale. It has a minor tonality with a raised sixth degree.

Analogy

Think of the Dorian mode as a cool and mysterious character in a movie. It's like the minor scale, but with an unexpected twist - the raised sixth degree adds an intriguing flavor to the music.

Related terms

Mixolydian mode: This is another musical scale that starts on the fifth degree of the major scale. It has a major tonality with a lowered seventh degree.

Relative keys: These are pairs of major and minor keys that share the same key signature. For example, C major and A minor are relative keys because they have no sharps or flats in their key signatures.

Aeolian mode (natural minor): This is a musical scale that starts on the sixth degree of the major scale. It has a minor tonality without any raised or lowered degrees.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.