The Dorian Scale:
Dorian is the second mode of the major scale. There are many ways in which to play a dorian modal scale – same notes, different order. We’re going to play the notes of G major, starting with A at the 5th fret. The change in intervals will give us a new sound:
Ascending
Descending
The Box
The Theory
The Dorian mode starts on the second note of the Major scale, so the notes of are the same as its parent – G Major. The intervals are WHWWWHW. The Dorian mode is minor in tonality, similar to Aeolian (Natural Minor) but with a raised 6th scale degree by comparison, making it a slightly ‘happier’ sounding alternative to natural minor. It works especially well over minor 7th and 9th chords, but will work in any minor key. If you feel nervous about the sixth note, you can always bend it up a semi-tone to get back to the natural minor!
It is used extensively in Rock, Blues and Jazz, and is combined with diminished scales by fusion players. Loved by Joe Satriani, Gary Moore, Ritchie Kotzen and many more! Dorian licks can be substituted well into your standard minor pentatonic runs to add colour - check out the Minor Pentatonic here.
Some Example Licks
1) Climbing:
2) Slide:
3) Sweep Picking:
4) Hammers & Pulls:
TAB Symbol Key:
Hammer ons: h.
Pull offs: p.
Vibrato: ~.
Bends: b.
Release bend: br.
Slides: / or \ depending on direction.
And that’s the Dorian Mode scale for you. You can find more articles on scales and guitar technique to help you develop as a player here, as well as checking out the Guitar Mastery series to get better at guitar! If you’ve got any questions please get in touch on Facebook or Twitter.
Happy noodling!
