Exploring the Dorian Mode

So, having explored the upper extensions of the Dorian mode, and using your seconds, fourths, and sixths higher up the instrument to create color, I'm just going to give you a rhythmic idea for your solo as well.

Rhythmic Pattern

I'm just going to take a very simple rhythmic pattern of:

• Quarter note
• 2 eighth notes

This can be represented as:
ba, boo ba.

I will use this pattern in different parts of the bar. I will not always start on beat one; I might start on beat two, four, or three. This serves as a kind of rhythmic constant through my solo.

Example Solo

It might sound like this:

3, 4
And it just gives some sort of rhythmic direction to your solo.

So, over the track, using that pattern might sound like this:

1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4.

Sample Solo

I've written out a sample solo for you using just that rhythmic pattern and trying to extract as much as I can from what is essentially a very simple phrase. There is space for you then to improvise in that style yourself.

If you look at Figure 3.16, I've written two bars of notes around that rhythm, and then some diagonal lines which indicate solo space for you.

Improvisation Space

• The diagonal lines indicate the passing of time.
• That's where there is space for you to solo for two bars.
• After that, you'll see another phrase for you to bounce off.

In effect, you're getting half a written solo as a kind of inspiration, as an impetus, and then you continue the solo for yourself.

Final Thoughts

As always, just use this as a guide. Eventually, it would be great for you to play the solo yourself. Use the head, then the solo space to improvise freely, and finally, use the head to close off your performance.