Dorian Mode

Mode number 2 in the order of modes is Dorian, a very pleasant sounding little chain of notes. Dorian is a great mode because it is very versatile and can be used in many different styles of music. It can be used in any form of Latin music, rock, metal, funk, jazz, Celtic music etc.

Carlos Santana combines Dorian with blues structures to create that legendary sound that he has.

The formula is:

W,H,W,W,W,H,W,

Whole step (2 frets)
Half step (1 fret)
Whole step (2 frets)
Whole step (2 frets)
Whole step (2 frets)
Half step (1 fret)
Whole step (2 frets)

Now as usual, I have this set up so that you can compare the Dorian mode to the Major scale. You should play the Major scale and then play the Dorian mode, going back and forth to compare.

The process of learning modes is pretty straight forward and simple. It is simply a process of taking a little bit of time to memorize them, while at the same time learning how to construct them.

Its true, you could just memorize the patterns of the modes, but it is a real benefit to understand the structures as well.

After you've memorized the Dorian mode and compared it to the major scale, use the Whole tone/Half tone formula above and try constructing it from scratch.



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