Dorian Mode

The Dorian Mode is the second mode of the Major Scale and it contains 7 notes.

These notes are:

Root – M2nd – m3rd – P4th – P5th – M6th – m7th

So, for a C Dorian Mode, these notes would be:

C – D – Eb – F – G – A – Bb

There are three different fingerings presented for both the one and two octave Mode. These fingerings start with your index, middle and pinky fingers respectively. Not everyone will find every fingering comfortable or practical, so feel free to experiment with these different fingerings and find one, or two or three, that fit well with your hands.

Notice how the Dorian Mode is only one note different than the Mixolydian Mode, we’ve added a flat 3rd compared to the Mixolydian Mode. Knowing this will not only raise your theory chops, but it also makes it easier to learn these fingerings on the guitar. Just take any Mixolydian Mode, lower the 3rd by one fret, and voila, instant Dorian Mode.

Each fingering is presented on a C Dorian Mode, but make sure to practice these in all 12 keys so that you learn you neck, as well as take these fingerings into every possible spot on the neck.

Click on any example to see a larger, printable version of the page.

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Dorian Mode One Octave Fingerings

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Dorian Mode Two Octave Fingerings

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