Dorian mode

What it is

Dorian is a minor mode. Its formula: 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7. Compare it with the natural minor scale (1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7): only one note changes, the 6th, which goes up a half step.

The simplest example is D Dorian: D, E, F, G, A, B, C. Those are the piano’s white keys starting on D. Same notes as C major, different root.

Its characteristic note

It’s the major 6th (B, in D Dorian). It lights up the minor sound: the ♭3 keeps it dark, the 6 adds a ray of sunshine. Without it, you’re just playing natural minor. On the neck, it’s shown in purple.

Try it: hold a Dm chord, then alternate between B and D. You’ll hear the Dorian flavor right away.

Which chords to use it over

Dorian works over a sustained m7 chord, or over an i–IV loop: a minor chord followed by a major chord a fourth higher. In D: Dm – G. The G chord contains B, the characteristic note: that’s what gives Dorian away.

In a C major progression, D Dorian also fits the Dm7 chord, the second degree.

Where you hear it

• Funk and soul, where minor vamps go round for minutes on end.
• Modal jazz: Miles Davis’s “So What” is often cited as the textbook example.
• Latin rock: “Oye Como Va”, made famous by Santana.
• Folk: the melody of “Scarborough Fair” is a frequently quoted example.

On the neck

Start the backing track, improvise in D minor and keep landing on B on the strong beats. To see Dorian among the other modes, go to The modes. All 12 keys are listed below.