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The Dorian Mode

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In this course we will take a detailed look at the second mode of the major scale, the Dorian mode. As we did with the major and minor scales, we'll first learn to play it all over the fingerboard using the 'content over patterns' theory, after which we will study a series of grooves that showcase the mode in action. The first few grooves will be in the key of C (and will therefore use the D Dorian mode), then there will be some grooves which use the Dorian mode in other keys. By the end of this course you should be very familiar with the sound of the Dorian mode, and will be well-placed to begin using it in your own lines and compositions.

1 - Introduction to the Dorian Mode

In this video we'll be talking about the D Dorian mode and discussing where it is commonly used.

2 - Playing the Dorian Mode

In this video we will play the D Dorian mode over two octaves. As we did the major and minor scales, we will be employing the 'content over patterns' theory, letting the notes in the mode guide us rather than memorising fretboard patterns.

3 - Dorian Exercise #1

This exercise is a slow-tempo funk groove that puts the D Dorian mode to use. The first and third bars emphasise the major sixth and minor seventh, whilst the second and fourth bars contain fills which highlight the overall sound of the mode.

4 - Dorian Exercise #2

This is a rock bassline that very clearly outlines the sound of the mode. This line was recorded with a pick, but works just as well with the fingerstyle technique.

5 - Dorian Exercise #3

This exercise is a busy, semiquaver-based line. Be careful of the syncopation used in each bar - the line begins on the final semiquaver subdivision of the fourth beat of the bar. Some power chords are put to use in the fourth bar of the sequence.

6 - Dorian Exercise #4

This is a slow-tempo line that crosses all four strings. As well as being a great exercise for playing and absorbing the sound of the Dorian mode, this one is also a good line to work on when refining the 'finger-per-fret' technique.

7 - Dorian Exercise #5

This exercise is a slap and pop groove that uses some major tenth figures as well as some Marcus Miller-style sliding octave lines.

8 - Dorian Exercise #6

This exercise uses the A Dorian mode, from the home key of G major. This is a funk groove that features some nice syncopated passages and a tricky upper register fill in the fourth bar.

9 - Dorian Exercise #7

This quick-paced rock bassline uses the F Dorian mode, from the home key of Eb major.

10 - Dorian Exercise #8

This is a Latin-style bass groove that uses the G Dorian mode, from the home key of F major. The first and third bars feature a simple arpeggiated phrase, whilst the second and fourth bars have fills that highlight the sound of the Dorian mode - specifically, the minor third and natural sixth.

11 - Dorian Exercise #9

This bassline uses the A Dorian mode, from the home key of G major.

12 - Dorian Exercise #10

This exercise uses the E Dorian mode, from the home key of D major. Notes that fall on the second half of the fourth beat (such as those in bars 2 and 4) are crucial to the feel.