Last week we just added to our FFcP library something to get very excited about: Dorian/Minor FFcP!

We've been asked many times what to do about the minor keys in the FFcP strategy, and until now haven't had much of an answer. The Minor/Aeolian mode is already there somewhat in the regular Major Scale drills, but there is nothing to reinforce the world of minor in a harmonic context. The traditional study of the three minor scale modes (natural, harmonic, and melodic) betray contextual function in jazz. More often than not, you'll use some kind of Dorian, which offers the "minor-ness" of the lowered 3rd, but maintains a harmonic neutrality in the 6th and 7th scale degrees. We've inserted a four-measure taste of harmonic function in the 'i VI ii7b5 V7' patterns in this recent addition to lend fingers and ears some familiarity within a chord context.

Since the release of "Getting Into Jazz Mandolin," we've come to the conclusion the mandolin world could use a supplementary FFcP studies book, and we'll register right now it's on a very short list of long term projects. Until then, take advantage of the free onsite exercises already in our comprehensive, six-part FFcP summary.

Check out the exercise: Dorian/Minor FFcP

Posted by Ted at April 22, 2009 5:51 AM