The Dorian mode

The Dorian mode/scale is very popular in today's music. Atonal music, Rock, Jazz, and popular music all have the influences of this mode. From Coltrane, Miles to Chick Chorea, all these scale characteristics can be found in their music and it does, sound modern and hip.

Through personal experiences I have found that when playing static chords like, Gmi7 for 16 bars, the 7 patterns of F Major scale makes it easier to explore different positions and patterns, and nice interesting lines and rifts can be created from the patterns. The trick is in working on the positions and patterns and then building lines or rifts then playing it out accordingly.

The Dorian scale sounds great when it is harmonized with all the notes within the dorian scale.

The intervals of 4ths and dim5ths make very interesting sounds and when we stack these intervals together wecan create some awesome sounds, when we know, how to harmonize the scale notes.

The G Dorian Mode/Scale The Dorian Mode

The G dorian scale is built from the 2nd note of the FMajor scale.

FMajor scale:F G A Bb C D E

Degrees :1 2 3 4 5 6 7

G dorian scale is made up of these notes: G A Bb C D E F

In the pdf chart first measure the notes of the G dorian mode are two octaves apart.

Triads in G Dorian Scale:

From the notes of the scale we are able to form diatonic chords and triads(3 notes).

The 3rd measure shows the diatonic triads that belong to the G dorian scale.

All the diatonic chords belonging to the scale is interchangeable provided the melody note permits.

If you have a C note for a melody and the chord is a Gmi7 chord you could use a F/Gbass or a C7/Gbass orAmi/G all these triads will fit well with the C melody note, choose the chord that best fits the melody note.

Four Notes-Block Chords in the Dorian Mode:

The block chords gives us another note to add like the mi7, mi9 or other extensions that we require.

The mi6 and the mi69 chords are the favorites in this mode.

G Dorian Scale Voicing s in 4ths and dim5ths. G Dorian Voicings in 4ths

From the pdf file note that the G dorian scale is harmonized in 4ths and dim5ths.

Starting from the 3rd pos it goes all the way to the 13pos of the fret-board.

The 2nd example also starts on the 3rd pos right to the 8th pos of the fret-board.

Learn this example in the key of Gdorian and transpose to all 12 keys, do it and you will not regret it.

These dorian scales are very important to develop your solo and chord work.

G Modal Triads Chart: G modal Triads chart

Diatonic Triads of G Dorian: Gmi Bbmaj Dmi FMaj Ami C Edim

Measure 1 has the Gmi F and C triads.

Measure 2 has the Ami Bb and C triads.

Measure 3 has the Bb F Gmi and C triads.

Measure 4 has the Ami and Bb triads.

Measure 5 has the Gmi and C triads.

Measure 6 is a repeat of measure 5

Measure 7 has a Bb F Dmi and Gmi triads

Triads are a very useful technique to incorporate into your playing. When notes are voiced down from the scalewith rhythmic anticipations it creats a lot of excitement.

This triads chart can also be ued to practice your solos.

G Dorian Scale/Chords for practicing the modal concept. G Modal Chord Chart

Diatonic Block Chords in the key of Gmi7: GMi7 BbMaj7 Dmi7 FMaj7 Ami7 C7 and Emi7b5

In the pdf file a melody has been constructed using the notes of the dorian scale. Play the melody,and then work out a solo starting on measure 7- measures 15. The 7 patterns and positions come from the notes of the F Major scale.

As a reminder the G dorian scale starts from the 2nd note of the F Major scale. So whenever you play a dorian II7- V7 remember,to use the major scale a whole tone down.

If you need help with the patterns go back to the previous lesson on Guitar Scales Chart.

Summary of G Dorian Scale.

This lesson is very important choosing the best and nearest positions will make your solos sound very connected.

In Modal playing try keeping the root/bass note consistent and have the triads or block chords creating movement.

Take your solos slowly, play them in quarter notes, eight notes,and then sixteen notes.

Get creative think, play out of the box. Try this trick of playing in Gmi7 then moving to Bbmi7 then to Cmi7.

As you progress in your scales, don't forget to play and transpose to all 12 keys.

The next lesson is on the Phrygian Mode. Phrygian Mode

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