STRINGSCALES

A dorian Scale — Guitar Fretboard Visualization

Low E string: E, F#, G, A, B, C, D, E at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12

A string: A, B, C, D, E, F#, G, A at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12

D string: D, E, F#, G, A, B, C, D at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12

G string: G, A, B, C, D, E, F#, G at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12

B string: B, C, D, E, F#, G, A, B at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12

High E string: E, F#, G, A, B, C, D, E at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12

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A dorian

The dorian mode is minor with a natural 6th, built from the second degree of the major scale a whole step down. The raised 6th brightens the minor sound just enough for it to swing, which is why it owns modal jazz (Miles Davis built So What on two dorian chords), Santana-style latin rock and funk vamps. Over a minor 7th chord it is usually the first mode to reach for.

it consists of these notes and degrees:

A

i

Am
B

ii

Bm
C

bIII

Cmaj
D

IV

Dmaj
E

v

Em
F♯

vi°

F♯dim
G

bVII

Gmaj

Characteristic note: F# (natural 6), the brighter sixth that sets dorian apart from natural minor.

Same notes, different mode

A dorian uses the same notes as the scales below. Start from a different note and you get a new mode built on the very same note set.

B phrygianC lydianD mixolydianE minor · relative minorF# locrianG major · relative major

dorian in all 12 keys, with chords and related scales

tip
  • Highlight the natural 6th (F#): hold it over a A minor chord and you hear the exact difference between dorian and natural minor (F).
  • Vamp between the i and IV chords in A dorian (both live in the scale) for the modal jazz and Santana feel.
  • Build lines from the m7 arpeggio (root, bIII (C), V, bVII (G)) and use the 2nd (B) and 6th (F#) as color between chord tones.
  • Over a funk groove on a m7 chord, emphasize the 6th (F#) against the flat 7th (G) for that bright-minor rub.

How to play A dorian on guitar

All six open strings sit inside A dorian, so any unfretted string can ring under a line without clashing. Open A gives the root, both E strings the fifth, and open G the flat seventh. Lowest root lands at fret 5 on the low E string, where the E-shape barre also sits, which means one position covers chord and scale at once. At fret 9 the next box takes over.

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