‘C dorian’ is the 2nd mode of the Bb major scale. The notes in C dorian are:
C – D – Eb – F – G – A – Bb
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 C dorian using both the parallel approach and the derivative approach.
C Dorian Mode Using The Parallel Approach
C major has the following notes:
C – D – E – F – G – A – B
If we flatten the 3rd note (D) and the 7th note (B) we get the following:
C – D – Eb – F – G – A – Bb
C Dorian Mode Using The Derivative Approach
C is the 2nd note of a Bb major scale:
Bb – C – D – Eb – F – G – A
If we play a Bb major scale and start on the 2nd note we get the following:
C – D – Eb – F – G – A – Bb
C Dorian in the Open Position
Firstly, let’s look at C dorian in the open position:
C Dorian CAGED Positions
Now let’s look at C dorian in the 5 different CAGED positions along the fretboard.
C Dorian in the 2nd Position (Lowest Fret is 2)
C Dorian in the 5th Position (Lowest Fret is 5)
C Dorian in the 6th Position (Lowest Fret is 6)
C Dorian in the 10th Position (Lowest Fret is 10)
C Dorian in the 11th Position (Lowest Fret is 11)
That covers the 5 basic positions and the open position of C dorian along the guitar fretboard. For an in depth explanation of the dorian mode, check out dorian mode explained.
Further Reading
- Cm chord (Cm Dorian works well over this chord)
- Cm7 chord (C Dorian works well over this chord)
- Bb Major scale (C Dorian is the second mode of the Bb Major scale)
