Modes are variations within the major scale, each possessing a unique sonic character. In this guide, we’ll explore the Dorian mode, often referred to as the “cheerful minor” mode, and delve into how to effectively use the Dorian Mode Guitar Scale in your playing.
You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the dorian mode guitar scale pattern, learn about chords that harmonize beautifully with Dorian, and discover practical ways to apply it through included backing tracks.
Why Learning the Dorian Mode Guitar Scale is Essential
The Dorian mode is a captivating and jazzy minor-sounding mode. It shares the same intervallic structure as the major scale but begins on the second degree of the major scale, giving it its distinctive flavor when played as a dorian mode guitar scale.
- It’s incredibly versatile, capable of evoking a wide spectrum of musical moods, from melancholic to uplifting.
- The presence of the major 6th interval injects a bright, jazzy quality that distinguishes it from the natural minor scale.
- The natural 9th adds a sophisticated harmonic color, expanding your melodic possibilities within the dorian mode guitar scale.
- Minor chords incorporating a major 6th are a hallmark of funk and jazz music, making the dorian mode guitar scale invaluable in these genres.
The Theory Behind the Dorian Mode Guitar Scale
Let’s examine the theoretical construction of the Dorian mode:
- Dorian stands out as a popular minor mode due to its near-dominant character, its suitability for bluesy, expressive playing, and its prominent role in cool jazz and modal improvisation. Understanding the dorian mode guitar scale unlocks these sonic possibilities.
- Its structure bears a resemblance to the Mixolydian mode – a major mode with a b7 – however, Dorian is classified as a minor mode because it contains a minor third (b3) relative to the root. This b3 is crucial to the minor tonality of the dorian mode guitar scale.
- Interesting fact: The ubiquitous minor pentatonic scale is actually embedded within the dorian mode guitar scale, offering a familiar starting point for improvisation.
This chord voicing beautifully outlines the essence of the dorian mode guitar scale:
Mastering the Dorian Mode Guitar Scale Pattern
Learning any scale pattern, including the dorian mode guitar scale pattern, involves a systematic approach. Here’s a four-step method to effectively internalize the dorian mode guitar scale:
- Memorize the One-Octave Shape: Begin by playing the one-octave dorian mode guitar scale pattern repeatedly to commit it to muscle memory.
- Verbalize Scale Degrees: Play the same one-octave pattern while vocalizing each scale degree (1, 2, b3, 4, 5, 6, b7, etc.). This reinforces your understanding of the intervals within the dorian mode guitar scale.
- Sing Before Playing: Enhance your ear training by singing each note of the dorian mode guitar scale before playing it on the guitar.
- Learn the Full Scale Pattern: Extend your knowledge to the complete dorian mode guitar scale pattern that spans all six strings, allowing for greater range and fluidity.
Here’s a one-octave representation to aid in steps 1-3:
And here’s the comprehensive dorian mode guitar scale pattern for step 4 – notice its visual similarity to the minor pentatonic shape, a useful connection for guitarists:
Applying the Dorian Mode Guitar Scale in Musical Contexts
Once you’ve learned the dorian mode guitar scale pattern, the next crucial step is to apply it musically. This involves:
- Internalizing the Sound: Develop an intuitive understanding of the Dorian mode’s sonic character by listening to examples and experimenting with it yourself.
- Identifying Key Notes: Determine the “money notes” within the dorian mode guitar scale – the notes that contribute most strongly to its unique sound and are effective for melodic emphasis.
The following backing track provides an ideal environment to practice the C Dorian scale and explore the dorian mode guitar scale in a musical setting.
Begin by simply playing the dorian mode guitar scale pattern you’ve learned over the backing track. Pay close attention to how each interval interacts with the underlying tonic chord and the overall harmonic context.
Soloing with the Dorian Mode Guitar Scale Over a Backing Track
Now it’s time to unleash your creativity and solo using the dorian mode guitar scale. Use the provided backing track to explore the D Dorian mode in a practical, improvisational context.
- Experiment with techniques like slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and vibrato to add expression and nuance to your dorian mode guitar scale based solos.
- Construct melodic phrases using short sequences of three or four notes from the dorian mode guitar scale, rather than just running scales.
- Enhance your musicality by singing a melodic line in your head first, and then translating it to the guitar using the dorian mode guitar scale.
For further guidance on developing your guitar soloing skills, consider exploring resources like “5 Levels of Guitar Soloing: From Beginner to Advanced”.
Chord Progressions Designed for Dorian Mode Guitar Scale Exploration
If you have access to a looper pedal or recording equipment, creating your own backing tracks using the following chord progressions is an excellent way to further your exploration of the dorian mode guitar scale.
Chord Progression #1
Here are the chords for the first progression, designed to highlight the static vamp quality often associated with Dorian:
The inclusion of the 6th (or 13th) in the Am13 chord provides a perfect opportunity to explore the A Dorian mode over this static vamp, allowing you to really internalize the sound of the dorian mode guitar scale.
Chord Progression #2
This second progression offers a more harmonically complex context for practicing the dorian mode guitar scale:
Let’s analyze this progression to understand how the dorian mode guitar scale fits within it:
- Identifying the I chord (Cmaj7) establishes the tonal center, C major in this case.
- The Dm9 (ii chord) functions as the subdominant, acting as a “pre-dominant” chord that sets up the V7 chord (G7).
- The ii chord has a less forceful resolution to the I chord compared to the V7, but it plays a vital role in creating tension and release within the progression, providing a smooth harmonic movement where the dorian mode guitar scale can be effectively employed.
- While Dorian is a strong choice over a ii chord in progressions like this, the minor pentatonic scale (especially with an added 9th) can also be a suitable and often simpler option, particularly for beginners.
Key Takeaways for Mastering the Dorian Mode Guitar Scale
Here are some final pieces of modal wisdom to guide your journey with the dorian mode guitar scale:
- Often, the minor pentatonic scale with a carefully chosen color note can effectively evoke a Dorian flavor, providing a shortcut to the desired sound.
- Consider starting solos with the familiar minor pentatonic scale and then gradually expand into the full Dorian mode by incorporating the characteristic 9th and 13th intervals.
- The Dorian mode is an excellent choice for soloing over the ii chord in jazzy ii-V-I progressions, a common harmonic sequence in jazz and related genres.
- Experiment with using short, melodic patterns of three or four notes instead of solely relying on scale runs and arpeggios to create more musical and engaging solos with the dorian mode guitar scale.
Author: Julia Mahncke
Julia Mahncke is a journalist and musician based in Pittsburgh, PA. Holding a degree in musicology from the University of Bonn and a guitar performance degree from the University of Oregon, Julia is a skilled guitarist with a knack for communicating musical concepts in a straightfoward manner.
She has written, recorded, and performed music as a solo artist, as part of a duo, and as the lead guitarist for the band Meeping. With hundreds of shows under her belt, Julia plays bass in various projects, enjoys participating in jam sessions in Pittsburgh, and remains active as a singer-songwriter.
Featured Course
7 Major Scale Modes in 7 Days
Sam Blakelock
Take the headache out of learning modes.
Featured Pickup Music Instructor
Sam Blakelock
Sam Blakelock is a guitarist, educator, and the founder of Pickup Music. He’s an expert at helping guitarists of all levels tackle fundamental techniques and complex topics in a straightforward & practical way.
