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.
The lessons in this course will first recap the theory behind the Dorian mode and its unique sound. They will then demonstrate how to play this study piece, section by section.
As you work through this material, you might find the following courses useful (all included in the monthly subscription cost):
Don’t forget to hit the Download Resources button above to get the PDF worksheet and audio files for this piece (available to subscribers only). The transcription is available with TAB and without, for those who wish to give their reading skills a workout.
This course is 28 MINUTES long and 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 1966 Fender Jazz bass strung with stainless steel Rotosound strings.
This video gives an overview of the A Dorian mode, focusing on its distinguishing characteristics and which chord it is played over.
The bass plays a melodic line in this section, written to clearly illustrate the sound of the Dorian mode. This lesson covers bars 1-6 in the transcription.
This section 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.
This section is a breakdown which is performed using the slap and pop technique. This line is tricky because of the triplet feel. This lesson covers bars 11-16.
This part is similar to the line that was played back in the B section, but without the double stops. This lesson covers bars 17-21 in the transcription.