‘G flat dorian’ is the 2nd mode of the Fb Major scale. The notes in G flat dorian are:
Gb – Ab – Bbb – Cb – Db – Eb – Fb
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 Gb dorian using both the parallel approach and the derivative approach.
Gb Dorian Mode Using The Parallel Approach
Gb Major has the following notes:
Gb – Ab – Bb – Cb – Db – Eb – F
If we flatten the 3rd note (Bb) and the 7th note (F) we get the following:
Gb – Ab – Bbb – Cb – Db – Eb – Fb
Gb Dorian Mode Using The Derivative Approach
Gb is the 2nd note of the Fb Major scale:
Fb – Gb – Ab – Bbb – Cb – Db – Eb
If we play the Fb Major scale and start on the 2nd note we get the following:
Gb – Ab – Bbb – Cb – Db – Eb – Fb
Let’s look at the Gb dorian mode in the different positions on the guitar fretboard:
Gb Dorian in the Open Position
Firstly, let’s look at the open position:
Gb Dorian Mode CAGED Positions
Now let’s look at Gb dorian in the 5 different CAGED positions along the fretboard.
Gb Dorian in the 4th Position (Lowest Fret is 4)
Gb Dorian in the 5th Position (Lowest Fret is 5)
Gb Dorian in the 8th Position (Lowest Fret is 8)
Gb Dorian in the 11th Position (Lowest Fret is 11)
Gb Dorian in the 12th Position (Lowest Fret is 12)
That covers the 5 basic positions and the open position of Gb dorian along the guitar fretboard. For an in depth explanation of the dorian mode, check out dorian mode explained.
Further Reading
- Gbm chord (Gb Dorian works well over this chord)
- Gbm7 chord (Gb Dorian works well over this chord)
- Fb Major scale (Gb Dorian is the second mode of the Fb Major scale)
