Dorian Mode – The Second Position of the Major Scale

The Dorian Mode is based on the second note of the Major Scale. In the key of G the second note of the scale is A, therefore this would be played as the A Dorian Mode. To play this mode in the key of G, begin by playing the first note at the 6th string 5th fret A. Notice that we are in the key of G, so I have identified the roots (G’s) in white and the perfect 5ths (D’s) in red for all of the modes.

The Dorian mode is a minor sound scale because it’s based on the second degree of the major scale, which is minor. If you just play it starting in A, over a G major progression, you’re simply playing the major scale starting in a different place. However, you can get that Dorian mode sound by playing it over it a chord progression based on A Dorian. To get a feel for that, play it starting in A, but over an A Minor chord.