Cannot seem to discover what scale is used in a sample (Dm F Em D?)
I've stumbled upon a sample in one of my sample packs from KSHMR it is labeled as Dm-F-Em-D? Progression, I'm new to music theory and just recently started learning how to find scales but this one, in particular, I cannot find it and I don't know why.
The chord progression is Dm-F-Em-D?. I've tried using Scale Finder but no luck.
(4)4 Comments
Sorted by latest first Latest Oldest Best
I'd consider that progression in D minor (Dorian) with the D? as a transition chord. In other words, the D? is a chromatic transition chord, taking you from Em to Dm: Em -> D? -> Dm
One way to approach this would be to use D Dorian for the first three chords, then D# Lydian on the D# chord.
Thinking of it as D dorian with a passing chord is a perfectly good approach, but theres actually some cool jazz theory going on too. ignore this if its overwhelming - jamming and listening are much more important :)
Major chords built on the flattened second of the scale can work a lot like a chord built on the 5th of the scale. (in this case, that D# Major could work like an A Major). Thats because of an idea from jazz harmony called a tritone substitution.
I can explain how it works if you like, but i wouldnt worry too much.
The interesting thing is that chords built on the 5th "push" towards the root, and make us want to hear the root chord (Dm) next. and because the D# is related to that 5th chord, it also pushes towards the root.
its a very common thing in lots of styles to put a chord built on the 2nd of the scale before a chord on the 5th of the scale. the 2 pushes towards the 5 just like how the 5 pushes towards the 1. this is called a 2-5-1 or ii-V-I. Sure enough, the chord before the D# is an Em, which is built on the 2nd of the scale.
We've all heard that 2-5-1 progression thousands of times before, knowingly or not. and thats why the progression sounds satisfying - we can hear where it's "supposed" to go next.
a cool quirk of this one is that the 2 and the 5 are both from D major - so its a major 2-5 into a minor 1. It's like the Dm and the F are in D minor and the Em and D# are in D major! But it works just fine, because those keys are closely related.
Welcome to music Stack Exchange btw :)
A chord progression doesn't have to all fit one scale. This one seems basically in D Dorian, with the E? a chromatic passing chord between Em and Dm. (I wonder why they named it D? instead of the more logical E?? But same difference.)
Terms of Use Privacy policy Contact About Cancellation policy © freshhoot.com2025 All Rights reserved.