‘D dorian’ is the 2nd mode of the C major scale. The notes in D dorian are:
D – E – F – G – A – B – C
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 D dorian using both the parallel approach and the derivative approach.
D Dorian Mode Using The Parallel Approach
D Major has the following notes:
D – E – F# – G – A – B – C#
If we flatten the 3rd note (F#) and the 7th note (C#) we get the following:
D – E – F – G – A – B – C
D Dorian Mode Using The Derivative Approach
D is the 2nd note of the C major scale:
C – D – E – F – G – A – B
If we play the C Major scale and start on the 2nd note we get the following:
D – E – F – G – A – B – C
Let’s look at the D dorian mode in the different positions on the guitar fretboard:
D Dorian in the Open Position
Firstly, let’s look at the open position:
D Dorian Mode CAGED Positions
Now let’s look at D dorian in the 5 different CAGED positions along the fretboard.
D Dorian in the 1st Position (Lowest Fret is 1)
D Dorian in the 4th Position (Lowest Fret is 4)
D Dorian in the 7th Position (Lowest Fret is 7)
D Dorian in the 8th Position (Lowest Fret is 8)
D Dorian in the 12th Position (Lowest Fret is 12)
That covers the 5 basic positions and the open position of D dorian along the guitar fretboard. For an in depth explanation of the dorian mode, check out dorian mode explained.
Further Reading
- Dm chord (Dm Dorian works well over this chord)
- Dm7 chord (D Dorian works well over this chord)
- C Major scale (D Dorian is the second mode of the C Major scale)
