2

Does the following collection represent a Gregorian chant mode, or is it a scale?

Gregorian mode?

(cf. "How to know if it's a mode or scale?" or these resources on the 8 modes of chant)

3 Answers 3

4

This is the C-Dorian scale. We know this because Dorian lowers the third and seventh of the major scale, so from C major:

C D E F G A B

we just lower the third and seventh (E and B) to get the collection you posted.

(Dorian is also the natural minor scale with a raised sixth, if you want to go that route. You'll get the same result.)

As for whether or not it's a mode or a scale: in this case, it's kind of both. (It's a bit like how a square is a rectangle, but not all rectangles are squares.) This is a scale of the C-Dorian mode.

With such little context, I think it's better to ask "What collection is this?" instead of "Is this a mode or a scale?"


Edit: Just to add some further clarification, a mode is often understood as a rotation of a scale. So if we take the B♭-major scale:

B♭ C D E♭ F G A B♭

we can "rotate" it to begin on different members of that scale. If you rotate to start on C, you get:

C D E♭ F G A B♭ C

the exact same C Dorian from your question.

0
2

Another way of looking at this is that all of the notes belong in a major scale and key. The key of Bb major. When a set of notes starts and centres on the second note of the major scale, it's known as Dorian mode. And because this set starts on C, it's C Dorian. Please note - it's not known as Bb Dorian - for reasons Richard has noted.

0

It's a scale in the Dorian mode transposed down a whole step (C → B♭).

(source)

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.