When learning to play a mode all over the fingerboard, it’s also important to put it to use in some actual lines, so that you can hear it in action. This piece – which is based on the A Dorian mode – will enable you to become comfortable with using the mode, whilst giving your fingers a good workout at the same time! In this video course I’ll be talking you through the D Dorian mode and which chord it works with. I’ll then be breaking this piece down, section by section, and showing you how to play it.
Don’t forget to hit the Download Resources button above to get hold of the PDF transcription and the audio files for this piece (available to subscribers only).
This course contains the following videos, each of which can be selected from the video player above:
This video is a demonstration of this study piece, performed on a Fender Jazz bass.
In this video I’ll be talking about the A Dorian mode, focusing on its distinguishing features and discussing which chord to play it with.
In this video we’ll be working through the opening section of this piece. The bass plays a melodic line here, written to clearly illustrate the sound of the Dorian mode. This lesson covers bars 1-6.
This lesson covers the B section, which features a more traditional bass groove, again built on the A Dorian mode. This line also includes some double stops. This lesson covers bars 7-10.
The C section of this piece is a breakdown section which is performed using the slap and pop technique. Only conventional slap technique is required, although this line is tricky because of the triplet feel that the piece has. This lesson covers bars 11-16.
In this video we’ll be working through the D section of this piece. This is similar to the line that we played back in the B section, but without the double stops. This lesson covers bars 17-21, bringing the piece to a close.