How to Practice the Dorian Mode

Hey guys! In this tutorial I will show you how to practice the dorian mode and of course, what it is.

Watch my video tutorial and check out the notes below. Don’t forget the homework down the bottom.

The Dorian Mode is simply the 2nd mode of the major scale (More on major scales here). D Dorian is C Major starting and finishing on D (think of D as the tonal centre). Here’s more on modes in general here.

You could also think of the Dorian Mode as b3 and b7 of the parallel major.
Eg: C Dorian is C Major with an Eb (lowered 3rd) and a Bb (lowered 7th).

So C Dorian is C D Eb F G A Bb C

You can probably see how C Dorian is a mode of Bb major, as Bb major has 2 flats in it’s key signature.

Homework

Practice these 3 exercises in all 12 keys and then have a go improvising using the dorian mode. Don’t forget to practice your left hand too!

Practice Dorian Mode

A Few links that might be of use to you
Chord Extensions
Altered Chords
A Super Fun 2 5 1 lick

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