Learn Guitar Scales: Using The Dorian Mode for Amazing Guitar Solos

By Nick Dillon


Before understanding the Dorian mode, it is important to touch on the major scale or Ionian mode. The Dorian mode is derived from the major scale by simply starting on the second note and looping around, using the same steps or intervals. By doing this, we create a completely different set of sounding notes known as the Dorian mode. As you learn guitar scales you will likely use this mode to create great sounding guitar solos.

Let's compare the intervals of the Dorian mode with that of the major scale. So if both have the same root note - we notice that they contain the same intervals, however the Dorian mode has its third dropped a semitone creating a minor third and the seventh is also dropped a semitone. This difference in two notes will make the two sound very different.

As you learn guitar scales you will encounter the Aeolian mode. The Dorian mode is similar to the Aeolian mode or natural minor scale with one important difference. The Dorian mode uses a major sixth interval compared to the flattened sixth of the Aeolian. This one note difference actually makes Dorian sound much brighter.

As you learn guitar scales for soloing, you will probably start with the minor pentatonic scale. The Dorian mode is an extension of this scale. If we add a major second and major sixth to the minor pentatonic, we create the Dorian mode. Thus Dorian can give you a bluesy sound by emphasising the common pentatonic notes, namely the minor third and flattened seventh.

The Dorian mode can be applied to many different styles of music. In rock, Eric Clapton uses this mode in the classic "Cocaine". There are numerous examples of this mode used in popular music as well as jazz. As you progress with lead guitar and learn guitar scales, it will get easier to identify the different sounding modes and scales, and how they effect the feel or mood of the music.

The Dorian mode is often played over minor chords or seventh chords. Soloing over seventh chords tend to sound good because four out of the seven notes are included in the mode, making it difficult to hit a "wrong" note.

As you learn guitar scales and modes, be sure to study the Dorian mode. Using this mode will take your pentatonic solos and ramp them up a notch, giving them a more diverse and colourful sound. The addition of just two notes to the pentatonic scale can make a world of difference to your solos.




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