A dorian is the 2nd mode of the G Major scale. The notes in the A dorian mode are:
A – B – C – D – E – F# – G
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 A dorian using both the parallel approach and the derivative approach.
A Dorian Mode Using The Parallel Approach
The A Major scale contains the following notes:
A – B – C# – D – E – F# – G#
If we flatten the 3rd note (C#) and the 7th note (G#) we get the following:
A – B – C – D – E – F# – G
A Dorian Mode Using The Derivative Approach
A is the 2nd note of a G major scale:
G – A – B – C – D – E – F#
If we play a G major scale and start on the 2nd note we get the following:
A – B – C – D – E – F# – G
A Dorian in the Open Position
Let’s look at the A dorian mode in the different positions on the guitar fretboard:
Firstly, let’s look at the open position:
A Dorian CAGED Positions
Now let’s look at A dorian in the 5 different CAGED positions along the fretboard.
A Dorian in the 2nd Position (Lowest Fret is 2)
A Dorian in the 3rd Position (Lowest Fret is 3)
A Dorian in the 7th Position (Lowest Fret is 7)
A Dorian in the 8th Position (Lowest Fret is 8)
A Dorian in the 11th Position (Lowest Fret is 11)
That covers the 5 basic positions and the open position of A dorian along the guitar fretboard. For an in depth explanation of the dorian mode, check out dorian mode explained.
Further Reading
- Am chord (A Dorian works well over this chord)
- Am7 chord (A Dorian works well over this chord)
- G Major scale (A Dorian is the second mode of the G Major scale)
