‘F dorian’ is the 2nd mode of the Eb major scale. The notes in F dorian are:
F – G – Ab – Bb – C – D – Eb
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 F dorian using both the parallel approach and the derivative approach.
F Dorian Mode Using The Parallel Approach
F Major has the following notes:
F – G – A – Bb – C – D – E
If we flatten the 3rd note (A) and the 7th note (E) we get the following:
F – G – Ab – Bb – C – D – Eb
F Dorian Mode Using The Derivative Approach
F is the 2nd note of the Eb major scale:
Eb – F – G – Ab – Bb – C – D
If we play the Eb Major scale and start on the 2nd note we get the following:
F – G – Ab – Bb – C – D – Eb
Let’s look at the F dorian mode in the different positions on the guitar fretboard:
F Dorian in the Open Position
Firstly, let’s look at the open position:
F Dorian Mode CAGED Positions
Now let’s look at F dorian in the 5 different CAGED positions along the fretboard.
F Dorian in the 3rd Position (Lowest Fret is 3)
F Dorian in the 4th Position (Lowest Fret is 4)
F Dorian in the 7thPosition (Lowest Fret is 7)
F Dorian in the 10th Position (Lowest Fret is 10)
F Dorian in the 11th Position (Lowest Fret is 11)
That covers the 5 basic positions and the open position of F dorian along the guitar fretboard. For an in depth explanation of the dorian mode, check out dorian mode explained.
Further Reading
- Fm chord (F Dorian works well over this chord)
- Fm7 chord (F Dorian works well over this chord)
- Eb Major scale (F Dorian is the second mode of the Eb Major scale)
