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Compiling global examples of music in the Dorian Scale

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1-2-b3-4-5-6-b7

(C-D-E^b-F-G-A-B^b)

o • o o • o • o • o o • o

• Dorian Scale: Sounds •

Real-world examples of the scale in action:

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• India: Known in North Indian classical music as Kafi thaat (one of Bhatkhande’s 10 ‘foundational scales’), as well as forming the basis for renowned ragas including Kafi (a celebratory folk-derived form), Bageshri (a romantic raga which omits the 5th in ascent), Bhimpalasi (‘Minor Pentatonic up, Dorian down’) – as well as Desi, Raisa, Shahana, Mudriki Kanada, and some forms of the Sikhism-infused Dhanashree.

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• Global: Lady L (Shakti/John McLaughlin)

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—Lady L (India/UK)—

Shakti & John McLaughlin (guitar-led)

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Q

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• Dorian Scale: More •

Features, classifiers, quirks, etc…

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[analysis: coming soon]

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—Classifiers & Quirks—

• Modes: Major set (Major; Dorian; Phrygian; Lydian; Mixolydian; Aeolian; Locrian)
• Quirks: Hemitonic; Maximal; Palindromic; Reflectional symmetry (imperfect: ♮6; detached: none)
• Names: Dorian, ‘Russian Minor’ (Western); Kafi thaat (Hindustani); Kharaharapriya (Carnatic)

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n.b. For more detailed geometric and mathematical analysis, refer to this scale’s entry in Ian Ring’s fantastic Exciting Universe of Music Theory project (for which I am an occasional ‘raga consultant’)

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