dorian

The modern Dorian mode is equivalent to the natural minor scale (or the Aeolian mode) but with a major sixth. The modern Dorian mode resembles the Greek Phrygian harmonia in the diatonic genus. It is also equivalent to the ascending melodic minor scale with a minor seventh.

In other words, we play a minor scale with one note raised - the 6th, by a half-step - and we have Dorian. For example, if we play an A Minor scale, our notes would be A-B-C-D-E-F-G (exactly the same as C major, except starting on an A). To make this Dorian, just raise the 6th note by a half step: A-B-C-D-E-F#-G.

The dorian scale is most commonly seen in jazz music but it is also seen in other genres of music from pop to rock to classical music. The dorian mode, although a minor mode, works well with both the minor scale and the major scale due to its unusual pattern of intervals.

As Dorian is the 2nd mode of the major scale, you can also use your knowledge of the major scale's patterns to cover more of the fretboard. To do this, simply visualise your major scale root one whole step (or two frets) down from the Dorian root. For example, D Dorian uses the same notes as C major.

Dorian literally means “of Doris,” a Greek district, or “of Doros,” referring to the son of Helen of Sparta. Dorian is also derived from the Greek word doron, meaning “gift.” The earliest literary mention of the Dorian people group is in "The Odyssey," where they are found inhabiting the island of Crete.

Dorian is the second mode of the major scale. It sounds cheeky, partly sad, but in a hopeful way. It's prominent in blues, rock, jazz, and funk.

The only difference is in the sixth note, which is a major sixth above the first note, rather than a minor sixth. Good examples of the use of Dorian mode in music are 'Billie Jean' by Michael Jackson, 'Smoke on the Water' by Deep Purple and the traditional Scarborough Fair.

A Breakdown of E Dorian...

Dorian is the second mode of the major scale. It sounds cheeky, partly sad, but in a hopeful way. It's prominent in blues, rock, jazz, and funk.

Here are some more examples of songs that use Dorian.

• Riders on the Storm - The Doors.
• Mad World - Tears for Fears.
• Wicked Game - Chris Isaak.
• Woodstock - Joni Mitchell.
• Scarborough Fair - Traditional folk song.
• Drive - REM.
• So What - Miles Davis.

In jazz improvisation, the Dorian scale is the most popular minor scale. It is versatile, being able to work with both major and minor keys. Although it is a minor mode, the major sixth that it contains adds a certain brightness to the minor scale.

Dorian's portrait deteriorates not because he's intentionally evil but because he's cruel and selfish. He casually uses people and then discards them aside. His action has a ripple effect that leads to lives ruined, and worse, even deaths. “Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.”