Jazz lead sheet · Intermediate
Impressions
A modal tune by John Coltrane: 16 bars of D Dorian, 8 of E♭ Dorian, and 8 of D Dorian again.
- Composer
- John Coltrane
- Form
- AABA, 32 bars
- Key
- D minor
- Style
- Modal
- Length
- 32 bars
A1D minor
i7D Dorian
i7D Dorian
i7D Dorian
i7D Dorian
i7D Dorian
i7D Dorian
i7D Dorian
i7D Dorian
A2
i7D Dorian
i7D Dorian
i7D Dorian
i7D Dorian
i7D Dorian
i7D Dorian
i7D Dorian
i7D Dorian
BE♭ minor
i7E♭ Dorian
i7E♭ Dorian
i7E♭ Dorian
i7E♭ Dorian
i7E♭ Dorian
i7E♭ Dorian
i7E♭ Dorian
i7E♭ Dorian
A3D minor
i7D Dorian
i7D Dorian
i7D Dorian
i7D Dorian
i7D Dorian
i7D Dorian
i7D Dorian
i7D Dorian
For students
What to notice
- Like So What, it stays on one mode for long stretches, so the soloist shapes the form.
- The bridge lifts the whole mode a half step to E♭ Dorian.
- The 6th of Dorian (B natural in D Dorian) is the note that makes the mode brighter than minor.
Practice plan
Three steps to improvising
- Play D Dorian in several positions, then move it up a half step for the bridge.
- Build a solo from one rhythmic motif and shift it to E♭ Dorian.
- Compare this chart with So What: the same harmony with a different melody and feel.
For teachers
Using this chart in class
- Project the chart with Play along running and loop one section while students find the guide tones.
- Choose Practice → Name the numerals for a whole-class quiz: students vote, then reveal the explanation.
- Mixed ensemble? Print the worksheet once per transposition: B♭, E♭, F and bass clef parts all line up bar for bar.
- Share a link: the key, instrument and view you choose are saved in the address bar.
Chord changes are common performance versions written out by Music Theory Lessons. No melodies or lyrics are reproduced. Names of songs and composers are used only to identify each tune.