Scale guide
A flat Dorian - Dorian Mode
In one sentence: Ab Dorian: Key with flats. Deep and contemplative minor mode. Used in fusion, modern soul-jazz. Rich sound with resonant body. Perfect for ballads.
TECHNICAL SHEET (Essential Quick Facts)
Level: Advanced Intermediate Key: Ab_dorian
Formula
- Intervals: 1-2-b3-4-5-6-b7
- Type: dorian
- Tonic: A flat
Notes
| US Notation | Latin Notation | Order |
|---|---|---|
| Ab Bb Cb Db Eb F Gb | A flat B flat C flat D flat E flat F G flat | 1-2-b3-4-5-6-b7 |
Fingering - RH (right hand)
| Direction | 1 octave | 2 octaves |
|---|---|---|
| Asc | 2-3-1-2-3-1-2-3 | 2-3-1-2-3-1-2-3-1-2-3-1-2-3-4 |
| Desc | 4-3-2-1-3-2-1-3-2 | 4-3-2-1-3-2-1-3-2-1-3-2-1-3-2 |
Fingering - LH (left hand)
| Direction | 1 octave | 2 octaves |
|---|---|---|
| Asc | 3-2-1-4-3-2-1-3 | 3-2-1-4-3-2-1-3-2-1-4-3-2-1-3 |
| Desc | 3-1-2-3-4-1-2-3 | 3-1-2-3-4-1-2-3-1-2-3-4-1-2-3 |
CHORDS AND TYPICAL PROGRESSIONS
| Degree | US Notation | Latin Notation | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Abm | A flat m | Tonic |
| ii | Bbm | B flat m | Supertonic |
| iii | Cb | C flat | Mediant |
| IV | Db | D flat | Subdominant |
| V | Ebm | E flat m | Dominant |
| vi | Fdim | F dim | Submediant |
| viio | Gb | G flat | Leading |
KEY ELEMENT
Minor with natural 6th: contrast between shadow (b3) and light (6).
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Key in modal jazz, funk and progressive rock.
COMMON MISTAKES
- Playing without stable pulse.
- Confusing the characteristic degrees of the scale.
- Forcing the scale in harmonies that don't support it.
SCALE COMPARISON
- Natural minor: b6 instead of 6.
- Mixolydian: major with b7.
- Phrygian: b2 instead of 2.
LEARNING PROGRESSION
| Week | Objective | Practice |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 octave without tension | 60-80 BPM, hands separate |
| 2 | Control of characteristic notes | Emphasize key degrees |
| 3 | 2-measure phrases | Call & response |
| 4 | Free improvisation | 8 measures with metronome |
MASTERY CHECKLIST
- I play 1 octave asc/desc with stable pulse
- I identify the color of the scale when listening
- I use the scale without leaving the base tonality
- I can improvise 8 measures coherently
FINAL PERSPECTIVE
Mastering this scale expands your tonal palette and opens new improvisation paths.