This article will take you through the basics of the Dorian mode.
We'll take you through the following questions:
- What is the Dorian mode?
- How do we determine the notes of the Dorian mode?
- What's an example of the Dorian mode?
- Where can I learn about the other modes?
What is the Dorian mode?
As mentioned in our Introducion to Modes article, the Dorian mode is the second of the 7 modes for the major scale.
Because the Dorian mode is the second mode in the major scale it starts on the second degree of the major scale.
How do we determine the notes of the Dorian mode?
The way we build a scale is similar to how we build a chord progression, when we build a scale we start on the root note.
After we've picked the note we want to start at (the root note or tonic) we use a series of whole steps and half steps to get our other notes.
But what do I mean by "whole steps and half steps"?
What that means is moving through the musical alphabet and picking notes by moving certain "distances"
For the Major scales we'll use this formula
- Whole Step (or Tone)
- Whole Step (or Tone)
- Half Step (or Semitone)
- Whole Step (or Tone)
- Whole Step (or Tone)
- Whole Step (or Tone)
- Half Step (or Semitone)
What's an example of the Dorian Mode?
We'll use the C major Dorian Mode as an example.
So if we follow the formula above we'll get the C Major Dorian Scale
- D
- Eb
- F
- G
- A
- Bb
- C
Where can I learn about the other modes?
We have articles breaking down each mode right here:
- Ionian(Major Scale)
- Dorian
- Phrygian
- Lydian
- Mixolydian
- Aeolian
- Locrian
