‘G dorian’ is the 2nd mode of the F Major scale. The notes in G dorian are:
G – A – Bb – C – D – E – F
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 G dorian using both the parallel approach and the derivative approach.
G Dorian Mode Using The Parallel Approach
G Major has the following notes:
G – A – B – C – D – E – F#
If we flatten the 3rd note (B) and the 7th note (F#) we get the following:
G – A – Bb – C – D – E – F
G Dorian Mode Using The Derivative Approach
G is the 2nd note of the F Major scale:
F – G – A – Bb – C – D – E
If we play the F Major scale and start on the 2nd note we get the following:
G – A – Bb – C – D – E – F
Let’s look at the G dorian mode in the different positions on the guitar fretboard:
G Dorian in the Open Position
Firstly, let’s look at the open position:
G Dorian Mode CAGED Positions
Now let’s look at G dorian in the 5 different CAGED positions along the fretboard.
G Dorian in the 1st Position (Lowest Fret is 1)
G Dorian in the 5th Position (Lowest Fret is 5)
G Dorian in the 6th Position (Lowest Fret is 6)
G Dorian in the 9th Position (Lowest Fret is 9)
G Dorian in the 12th Position (Lowest Fret is 12)
That covers the 5 basic positions and the open position of G dorian along the guitar fretboard. For an in depth explanation of the dorian mode, check out dorian mode explained.
Further Reading
- Gm chord (G Dorian works well over this chord)
- Gm7 chord (G Dorian works well over this chord)
- F Major scale (G Dorian is the second mode of the F Major scale)
