Improvise in Dorian Mode

Introduction

(For more information about building modes, see Understanding Modal Harmony.)

The Dorian mode is similar to the minor scale, but with a ♮6. A Dorian vamp will tend to focus on the ♮6 sound as much as possible. Often with a I^min6 as the tonic chord.

The three backing tracks presented here offer the chance to improvise in A minor only, (“A”), A Dorian only (“B”) and a track that switches back and forth between the two (“AB”).

The Chord Progression

Note that there are three tracks: one for “A”, one for “B”, and one for “AB”.

A Aeolian (Minor)

• play
• pause

A Dorian

• play
• pause

Track “A” — A Minor Only

Use only the A minor scale to improvise.

Track “B” — A Dorian Only

Use only the A Dorian scale to improvise.

Track “AB” — A Minor, A Dorian

Switch back and forth between A minor and A Dorian. Listen carefully for the change.

As the creator of Hub Guitar, Grey has compiled hundreds of guitar lessons, written several books, and filmed hundreds of video lessons. He teaches private lessons in his Boston studio, as well as via video chat through TakeLessons.