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Introduction to the modes

Mode Study Pages
Ionian
Dorian
Phrygian
Lydian
Mixolydian
Aeolian
Locrian

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The Dorian Mode
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Play-along files on this page (click to jump):
David Bowie (Phish)
,
In Memory of Elizabeth Reed (Allman Brothers)

The dorian mode is built from the second degree of a major scale.
It is a commonly-used mode in rock and jazz because it has a relatively bright sound for a minor mode.

Example:
C major scale: C D E F G A B C D
D dorian mode: D E F G A B C D

D major scale (for comparison to D dorian):
D E F# G A B C# D

What's in it:

The dorian mode has a b3 and a b7
(F and C instead of F# and C#, when compared to D major scale).

Listen to the D dorian mode
Listen to a D major scale (D ionian)

The b3 makes it a minor mode.

When to use it:

  • Over minor chords
  • When the chord progression goes from I minor to IV major (for example, Am to D or Em to A)
  • When the chord progression goes from I minor to bVII major (for example, Em to D or Am to G)

Hear it and play it!

David Bowie
Phish

Listen to it
(MP3 audio clip)

Play along with it
(midi play-along file)

Chord progression for solo section:
Em / D / Em / D

E dorian mode

Enharmonic modes
D ionian,

F# phrygian,

G lydian,

A mixolydian,

B aeolian,

C# locrian

(click mode names above to view fingerings in window to right)


In Memory of Elizabeth Reed
The Allman Brothers

Listen to it
(MP3 audio clip)

Play along with it
(midi play-along file)

Chord progression for solo section:
Am / D / Am / D

A dorian mode

Enharmonic modes:
B phrygian,
C lydian,

D mixolydian,

E aeolian,

F# locrian,

G ionian

(click mode names above to view fingerings in window to right)