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Lesson: Do, Re, Mi (Tonal Patterns)

Tonal patterns are short groups of pitches we learn by ear first, with solfège, before we ever name a key signature. The foundation is the major tonic and dominant.

Stepwise motion

The most basic tonal pattern is stepwise: Do – Re – Mi – Fa – Sol and back down. Sing it on a neutral syllable first, then with solfège, then connect it to what you see on the staff.

Tonic and dominant

• Tonic (Do – Mi – Sol): the “home” chord, restful.
• Dominant (Sol – Ti – Re): the “tension” chord that wants to resolve home.

Hearing the difference between these two is the single most important tonal skill in beginning band.

Practice steps

1. Sing Do, then find Sol.
2. Sing the tonic arpeggio, then the dominant.
3. Go to Practice → Tonal Patterns and play major stepwise patterns, singing along with solfège.