Dorian mode explained

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The second mode of the major scale, characterised by a minor quality with a raised sixth degree‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌

In Depth

The Dorian mode differs from the natural minor scale by one note: its sixth degree is raised, creating a minor triad on the tonic but a major triad on the subdominant.‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌ The interval pattern is W-H-W-W-W-H-W. This raised sixth gives Dorian a brighter, more ambiguous minor quality. The mode is fundamental to jazz improvisation, particularly over minor seventh chords. In folk music, Dorian melodies are common in English, Irish, and Scandinavian traditions. Scarborough Fair is a well-known Dorian melody.

Did you know?

Miles Davis's So What, one of the most influential jazz recordings ever made, is built entirely on the Dorian mode.

Related Terms

Dorian mode minor jazz

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