Mode · Dorian
Dorian mode
D Dorian is D E F G A B C. It has a minor 3rd and a natural 6th, the interval that most clearly separates it from natural minor.
Theory
The minor sound with a natural 6th
Dorian has a minor 3rd and minor 7th, but unlike natural minor it keeps a major 6th. In D Dorian that note is B natural. Hearing that B against a D minor sound is one of the quickest ways to recognize the mode.
D Dorian uses the same pitch collection as C major, but D is the tonal center. Treating it as a rotation of C major is useful for finding the notes; hearing D as home is what makes it sound modal rather than simply like C major starting on the second note.
Dorian Mode notes: D, E, F, G, A, B, C.
Practice
Three useful passes
Keep the task narrow enough that tempo and note quality stay observable.
- 01
Play D to D and hold the B natural slightly longer so the natural 6th becomes familiar.
- 02
Alternate D natural minor and D Dorian so you can hear B♭ change to B natural.
- 03
Improvise over a D minor vamp using the seven D Dorian notes instead of only running the scale up and down.
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