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 Imin6 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”.
![](https://hubguitar.com//images/teera-modal-jam-track-1.png)
A Aeolian (Minor)
A Dorian
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.
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