‘C sharp dorian’ is the 2nd mode of the B major scale. The notes in C# dorian are:
C# – D# – E – F# – G# – A# – B
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 C# dorian using both the parallel approach and the derivative approach.
C Sharp 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 (E#) and the 7th note (B#) we get the following:
C# – D# – E – F# – G# – A# – B
C Sharp Dorian Mode Using The Derivative Approach
C# is the 2nd note of the B major scale:
B – C# – D# – E – F# – G# – A#
If we play a B major scale and start on the 2nd note we get the following:
B – C# – D# – E – F# – G# – A#
Let’s look at the C# dorian mode in the different positions on the guitar fretboard:
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 3rd Position (Lowest Fret is 3)
C# Dorian in the 6th Position (Lowest Fret is 6)
C# Dorian in the 7th Position (Lowest Fret is 7)
C# Dorian in the 11th Position (Lowest Fret is 11)
C# Dorian in the 12th Position (Lowest Fret is 12)
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
- C#m chord (C# Dorian works well over this chord)
- C#m7 chord (C# Dorian works well over this chord)
- B Major scale (C# Dorian is the second mode of the B Major scale)
