G DORIAN MODE
‘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 a major scale (derivative approach). Let’s briefly look at how to construct G dorian using both the parallel approach and the derivative approach.
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
Derivative Approach:
G is the 2nd note of the F major scale:
F – G – A – Bb – C – D – E
If we play a 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 F dorian mode in the different positions on the guitar fretboard:
Positions Along the Fretboard:
Firstly, let’s look at the open position:
Now let’s look at G dorian in the 1st position (lowest fret is 1)
Now let’s look at G dorian in the 5th position (lowest fret is 5)
Now let’s look at G dorian in the 6th position (lowest fret is 6)
Now let’s look at G dorian in the 9th position (lowest fret is 9)
Finally, let’s look at G dorian in the 12th position (lowest fret is 12)
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.
Other useful or related posts:
G Major Scale Positions On The Fretboard