The next mode that you need to learn is the Dorian mode. The Dorian mode in the key of C is the second mode or D minor. The Dorian mode is the second note of any major key. The D is the second note of the key of C major. Look below. Notice that the D is a minor chord, so this is a minor mode. The Dorian mode is a popular mode.
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Remember, all major keys are constructed the same. Major, minor, minor, Major, Major, minor, diminished and Major. |
 | To play the Dorian mode you would play from D
to D in C major. The notes would be. D, E, F, G, A, B, C and D. |
Look at the image below and try to memorize the notes and their positioning of the D Dorian mode. Remember to play from D to D. Try to find other places to play from D to D. I use to draw out the fret board and lay out all the notes on each fret in the key I was practicing.
If you look closely, you may notice another root note fret position. Remember the Am root note fret at the 5th fret? Well you are now seeing the D minor pentatonic root note fret at the 10th fret. If your not sure of the A minor pentatonic root note fret, please go back and review.
The Dorian mode is a minor mode, so you will also find the Dm pentatonic scale in this mode.
Tablature below.
----------------------------------------------------------------10-12-13-
--------------------------------------------------10-12-13---------------
-----------------------------------------10-12----------------------------
----------------------------10-12-14-------------------------------------
---------------10-12-14--------------------------------------------------
-10-12-13----------------------------------------------------------------
| Look at the image below. This is the Dorian mode with a different fingering position. Remember to play from D to D. Things are really starting to fall into place and I hope your not missing out. |
Play this position from the D 10th fret Low E string to the D 10th fret high E string. You can add the E note and F on the low E string too.
Tablature below.
---------------------------------------------------------------10-12-13--
--------------------------------------------------10-12-13---------------
------------------------------------9-10-12------------------------------
------------------------9-10-12------------------------------------------
-----------8-10-12-------------------------------------------------------
-10-12-------------------------------------------------------------------
The C Ionian mode is played from C to C. The D Dorian mode is played from D to D in the key of C.
| Lay down a Dm chord, Am Chord and F chord and play this mode over the chords. Try to play over each chord separately. Play the Dorian mode above over the Dm chord, but concentrate on the notes of the Dm chord, D, F and A. Play in the same position over the Am chord, A, C and E or jump to the fifth fret and play Am pentatonic. You can actually play Am pent in the position above. Look at the image above and recall the Am pentatonic starting at the D note 10th fret. Do the same over the F note, F, A, C. When playing over this chord use Dm pentatonic or play from F to F in the image above. F to F is the Lydian mode. Or even play F Ionian over this chord. Remember if you have a major chord, you can use a major scale. If you have a minor chord, you can use a minor scale. Knowing which ones to use is what you will be learning. |
| The next lesson covers the E Phrygian mode, or the third note of a Major key. The third note of C just happens to be an E or Em chord. So the next lesson covers the E Phrygian mode which is a also a minor mode. |
Remember, all major keys are constructed the same. Major, minor, minor, Major, Major, minor, diminished and Major.
Good Luck,
From the Jam Room