Modes and sea shanties
Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain what a mode is and have performed a modal sea shanty melody.
Key learning points
- A mode is a type of scale, of which there are seven different types.
- The dorian mode is commonly used in folk music, and it sounds similar to a minor scale.
- A sea shanty is a type of folk song that was traditionally sung by sailors to coordinate their movements.
- What Shall We Do With A Drunken Sailor? is a famous example which uses the D dorian mode and a strophic structure.
Keywords
Mode - a type of scale, of which there are seven main types
Dorian mode - a mode that sounds similar to a minor scale; the D dorian mode uses the white notes starting on D
Strophic - a structure based on repeating verses, with variation in the lyrics
Sea shanty - a folk song traditionally sung by sailors to help them coordinate their movements
Common misconception
The dorian mode is the same as a minor scale.
There is a slight difference, with one different note. All of the modes are closely linked to major and minor scales, but have slightly different notes that help to create different moods.
Teacher tip
Sea shanties are traditioanlly sung, so to build on the learning from this lesson consider doing some singing warm-ups or activities with the class based on singing sea shanties. Drunken Sailor is an easy and fun song for pupils to learn.
Equipment
Keyboard instrument
Licence
Sign in to continue
Our content remains 100% free, but to access certain copyrighted materials, you'll need to sign in. This ensures we’re both staying within the rules.
P.S. Signing in also gives you more ways to make the most of Oak like unit downloads!
