This lesson I will be showing you a quick way to mix the Dorian scale with the Melodic minor scale. In previous lessons I touched on this subject, but in this lesson I will go more in detail. It is very important to learn scale formulas. If you know the formulas for both of these scales, you will notice that there is only one note difference between the two. The Dorian scale formula is (1, 2, b3, 4, 5, 6, b7) and the Melodic minor scale formula is (1, 2, b3, 4, 5, 6, 7). The only difference is the 7th degree.
You will have to learn these scales all over the neck. I will just give you a basic fingering pattern for each. Figure A is a 3 note per string A Dorian scale off the 6th string. Figure B is an A Melodic minor scale off the 6th string and Figure C is a pattern that I put together mixing the two scales, you will notice the Es are doubled on the 2nd and 3rd string, which adds a neat effect. All of these patterns work in all keys, so learn them all over the neck.
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Example 1:
This first example is a phrase based off of an A Melodic minor scale (A, B, C, D, E, F#, G#) and the A Dorian scale (A, B, C, D, E, F#, G). This one you will have to stretch your fingers a little, you might want to follow suggested fingerings. Doubling the same note between two strings adds a neat effect, you will notice the E is doubled on the 2nd and 3rd strings.
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Example 2:
This next phrase is also in the key of A and has a classical vibe for the first couple bars and then the last bar has a bluesy feel because of the added natural 6th. The first two bars can be from the A Harmonic minor scale (A, B, C, D, E, F, G#) as well as the A Melodic minor. The Harmonic minor scale is similar to the Melodic minor scale, with the 6 as the only difference -- the Melodic minor has a natural 6th and the Harmonic minor has a flatted 6th. You will notice a passing tone between the G and A note in the last bar.
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Example 3:
Here is a shred-type lick using this concept. This one is also in the key of A and is a great picking exercise. There is some string skipping in this lick, which can be tricky. Be sure both hands are in sync and gradually build up speed. |
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That's all for this lesson -- just a few examples to get you started in this topic. Be sure to visit
mikecampese.com for more info.