‘E dorian’ is the 2nd mode of the D major scale. The notes in E dorian are:
E – F# – G – A – B – C# – D
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 E dorian using both the parallel approach and the derivative approach.
E Dorian Mode Using The Parallel Approach
E Major has the following notes:
E – F# – G# – A – B – C# – D#
If we flatten the 3rd note (G#) and the 7th note (D#) we get the following:
E – F# – G – A – B – C# – D
E Dorian Mode Using The Derivative Approach
E is the 2nd note of the D major scale:
D – E – F# – G – A – B – C#
If we play the D Major scale and start on the 2nd note we get the following:
E – F# – G – A – B – C# – D
Let’s look at the E dorian mode in the different positions on the guitar fretboard:
E Dorian in the Open Position
Firstly, let’s look at the open position:
E Dorian Mode CAGED Positions
Now let’s look at E dorian in the 5 different CAGED positions along the fretboard.
E Dorian in the 2nd Position (Lowest Fret is 2)
E Dorian in the 3rd Position (Lowest Fret is 3)
E Dorian in the 6th Position (Lowest Fret is 6)
E Dorian in the 9th Position (Lowest Fret is 9)
E Dorian in the 10th Position (Lowest Fret is 10)
That covers the 5 basic positions and the open position of E dorian along the guitar fretboard. For an in depth explanation of the dorian mode, check out dorian mode explained.
Further Reading
- Em chord (E Dorian works well over this chord)
- Em7 chord (E Dorian works well over this chord)
- D Major scale (E Dorian is the second mode of the D Major scale)
