Dorian

The Dorian mode belong to chord II

Not just appearing whenever chord II pops up, the Dorian mode is sometimes used in jazz influenced music as a blanket scale.

Miles Davis – So What, Van Morrison’s – Moondance and Stevie Wonder‘s – I Wish all use the Dorian mode, so does Stairway To Heaven.

Should you use the technique of new chord – new scale then you would use Dorian every time you play over the II chord.

Below is the scale formula in relation to the pentatonic:

Character: Dorian is often referred to as having a sweet sound.

Soloing: Use Dorian when you play jazz influenced solos or whenever you play over the II chord.

Practice The Dorian mode like this:

1. Chord shape
2. Minor Pentatonic
3. add 2nd
4. Minor Pentatonic
5. add 6th
6. Minor Pentatonic
7. Dorian
8. Chord shape

To see the Dorian mode move around the guitar neck in different keys and shapes, use Chordacus.

Dorian Mode History

The Dorian mode, as we know it today started out as Hypodorian, meaning below Dorian which originally was the scale formula of Phrygian!

In Medieval times this was changed and Dorian, as we know it got its name, although it could be modified into a b6 version which using today’s Diatonic modes would mean a modal interchange to Aeolian.

You would have to look long and hard to find this in a hit from the popular music catalog.

In Jazz, a common variation of a Diatonic progression would be min7 chords in other places than II, III and VI, almost always can you then apply the Dorian mode.

This is probably why many people think “jazz minor” when they hear the Dorian mode stand out.

Learn more about the Dorian modes history on Wikipedia.

To understand Dorians place in popular music on the guitar, use the Guitar Conspiracy and the video exercises.