‘A sharp dorian’ is the 2nd mode of the G sharp major scale. The notes in A# dorian are:
A# – B# – C# – D# – E# – Fx – 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 Sharp Dorian Mode Using The Parallel Approach
A# major has the following notes:
A# – B# – Cx – D# – E# – Fx – Gx
If we flatten the 3rd note (Cx) and the 7th note (Gx) we get the following:
A# – B# – C# – D# – E# – Fx – F#
A Sharp Dorian Mode Using The Derivative Approach
A# is the 2nd note of the G# major scale:
G# – A# – B# – C# – D# – E# – Fx
If we play a G# major scale and start on the 2nd note we get the following:
A# – B# – C# – D# – E# – Fx – F#
Let’s look at the A# dorian mode in the different positions on the guitar fretboard:
A# Dorian in the Open Position
Firstly, let’s look at A# dorian in 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 3rd Position (Lowest Fret is 3)
A# Dorian in the 4th Position (Lowest Fret is 4)
A# Dorian in the 8th Position (Lowest Fret is 8)
A# Dorian in the 3rd Position (Lowest Fret is 3)
A# Dorian in the 12th Position (Lowest Fret is 12)
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
- A# chord (A# Dorian works well over this chord)
- A#m7 chord (A# Dorian works well over this chord)
- G# Major scale (A# Dorian is the second mode of the G# Major scale)
