Dorian

The dorian scale is the second mode of the major scale. This scale has a minor tonality and is extremely common in many genres. The intervals of the dorian scale are as follows:

1   2   b3   4   5   6   b7

As you can see, the difference between the dorian scale and the natural minor scale (aeolian) that we learned in the intermediate level, is the presence of a natural 6 as opposed to a b6. This gives the dorian scale a brighter, cleaner sound than the natural minor scale, while still containing that minor tonality associated with the b3.

The dorian scale is widely used in popular music. Carlos Santana has nailed the dorian sound. Its application is endless in blues, rock, jazz, pop, etc. 

Anytime you want a minor sound, but with that crisp natural 6, dorian is your scale.

When we build 7th chords off of the dorian scale we get the following chord types:

I mi7   IImi7   bIII ma7   IV dom7   Vmi7   VI mi7(b5)   VII ma7

Common dorian progressions include:

• I mi - IV7
• I mi7 - II mi7
• I mi - bVII ma

Of course, you can play the dorian scale over any minor chord if you wish to get that dorian sound, just remember that the 6 is the key to the dorian sound. So sell it! 

Attached are the five patterns of the dorian scale as well as some jam tracks for the progressions I listed above. Play around with them. I want you to start slow.

Begin by just playing the minor pentatonic scale. Once you have gotten bored with those five notes, add in just the 6. Hang on it. Listen to how it works over the different chords. 

Then, after you have experimented with just adding the 6 to the minor pentatonic, use the whole dorian scale. Play over these progressions in all five patterns. 

One more thing: Don't hesitate to experiment with other progressions! Make some stuff up!

Jam Tracks:

1.  E dorian - E minor vamp

2.  C dorian - I mi - IV7 

3.  A dorian - I mi7 - II mi7

4.  G dorian - I mi - bVII ma