So What (Dorian)

by Miles Davis

Table of Contents

• Introduction / Learning Outcomes

• The Tracks (the original recording and a backing track)

• The Charts

• Play-Along Sections

• Help Sheets

• Video Lesson

Introduction

This is a tune by the trumpet player, Miles Davis off of his legendary record, "Kind of Blue." It is a great introduction to modal jazz, which is a genre of jazz that focuses on using modes of the major scale for its harmonic and melodic content. This tune in particular uses the Dorian Mode for its colors and sound; in the two concert keys listed below:

• Modal Soloing

  • D Dorian (concert)

  • Eb Dorian (concert)

The Tracks

Original Recording

Backing Track

The Charts

On this tune, the chart looks like a piano chart. You may play the top note of the chords in the treble clef for the melody or play a harmony note.

Treble Chart

Bass Chart

Bb Chart

Eb Chart

Play-Along Sections

To practice along with sections of the song (i.e. to practice over a particular chord), click the measure that you want to start on and press play. For suggestions on scales and licks to play, check out the help sheets further down the page.

https://musescore.com/user/30979026/scores/6040289/embedmusescore.com

Help Sheets

This page covers D Dorian and Eb Dorian modes and licks. The help sheet is meant to serve as a starting point; you are encouraged to develop your own musical ideas in addition to these ones.

Treble Help Sheet

Bass Help Sheet

Bb Help Sheet

Eb Help Sheet

Video Lesson