How to Play Music in Dorian Mode

A basic knowledge of musical theory is essential to expanding your options when playing. There are a multitude of different scales, modes, and chords to choose from. One of the easiest ways to add flavor and character to melodies is to use the Dorian mode.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Understanding modes

1. Find the major scale in a key. The major scale consist of the tones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. The intervals between the notes are as follows: whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step. In the key of C, the notes of the major scale are C, D, E, F, G, A and B. In the key of A, the notes are A, B, C#, D, E, F# and G#. Other keys use the same pattern of intervals to create the major scale.

2. Figure out where the Dorian mode lies in relation to the major scale. Modes are created by moving the root note of the scale up or down. The major scale is also called the Ionian mode. The Dorian mode starts on the second tone of the Ionian mode. To play the Dorian mode from the C Ionian mode, start on the second tone, which is the D. The notes are as follows: D, E, F, G, A, B and C. From the A Ionian mode, you'll move up to the B and play B, C#, D, E, F#, G# and A.

3. Learn the intervals of the Dorian mode. The intervals are as follows: whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step. Once you learn the intervals between each note, you can move the Dorian mode up or down. Try it and see how it sounds to you.

Finding the Dorian mode using the natural minor scale

4. Find the natural minor scale. The intervals of the natural minor (also called the Aeolian mode) are whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, half step, whole step. In C the notes are C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb.

5. Turn the natural minor into the Dorian mode. To change the Aeolian mode to the Dorian mode, raise the sixth tone up a half step. The intervals now become whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step. In C, the notes of the Dorian mode are C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb.

6. Play the Dorian mode up and down the musical map to memorize it and understand the difference a sixth makes.

Tips & Warnings

• The Dorian mode is a minor scale, since it has a flatted third. It's useful over many minor chord progressions, but, since it has the sixth raised, it gives less of a dark sound then the Aeolian mode.
• The Beatles song "Eleanor Rigby" is a good example of shifting between the Aeolian and Dorian modes in the same key. The verses alternate between E Aeolian and E Dorian. Listen and see if you can hear the difference. When the melody is over the E minor chord, it sticks to the Dorian mode, yet shifts to the Aeolian mode when the chord changes to C.