G Dorian Mode on the Guitar – 5 CAGED Positions, Tabs and Theory

‘G dorian’ is the 2nd mode of the F Major scale. The notes in G dorian are:

G – A – Bb – C – D – E – F

If you have read the post on understanding the dorian mode, you will know that the dorian mode contains a flat 3 and a flat 7 (parallel approach). You will also know that it is the 2nd mode of the major scale (derivative approach). Let’s briefly look at how to construct G dorian using both the parallel approach and the derivative approach.

G Dorian Mode Using The Parallel Approach

G Major has the following notes:

G – A – B – C – D – E – F#

If we flatten the 3rd note (B) and the 7th note (F#) we get the following:

G – A – Bb – C – D – E – F

G Dorian Mode Using The Derivative Approach

G is the 2nd note of the F Major scale:

F – G – A – Bb – C – D – E

If we play the F Major scale and start on the 2nd note we get the following:

G – A – Bb – C – D – E – F

Let’s look at the G dorian mode in the different positions on the guitar fretboard:

G Dorian in the Open Position

Firstly, let’s look at the open position:

G Dorian Mode Open Position Frets
G Dorian Mode Open Position Notes

G Dorian Mode CAGED Positions

Now let’s look at G dorian in the 5 different CAGED positions along the fretboard.

G Dorian in the 1st Position (Lowest Fret is 1)

G Dorian Mode 1st Position Frets
G Dorian Mode 1st Position Notes

G Dorian in the 5th Position (Lowest Fret is 5)

G Dorian Mode 5th Position Frets
G Dorian Mode 5th Position Notes

G Dorian in the 6th Position (Lowest Fret is 6)

G Dorian Mode 6th Position Frets
G Dorian Mode 6th Position Notes

G Dorian in the 9th Position (Lowest Fret is 9)

G Dorian Mode 9th Position Frets
G Dorian Mode 9th Position Notes

G Dorian in the 12th Position (Lowest Fret is 12)

G Dorian Mode 12th Position Frets
G Dorian Mode 12th Position Notes

That covers the 5 basic positions and the open position of G dorian along the guitar fretboard. For an in depth explanation of the dorian mode, check out dorian mode explained.

Further Reading

  • Gm chord (G Dorian works well over this chord)
  • Gm7 chord (G Dorian works well over this chord)
  • F Major scale (G Dorian is the second mode of the F Major scale)

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