How to Use the Dorian Mode in Jazz Improvisation
The Dorian mode is very important in jazz and deserves attention. Let’s figure out how to make a Dorian scale. There are two ways to think about this: the first way is to remember that Dorian is the 2nd note of a major scale, so if we find out the first note then we know what key signature we are in. For example: I want a G Dorian scale. I know that G is the 2nd note of some major scale. Let’s go back and look at our major scale from the first part of the book. 12345678.
If I put the note G under the number 2 (remember that we are trying to find G Dorian, the 2nd mode) I can now find out who 1 is. You can think of this is algebra, solving for 1. I will go down a whole step from G and find myself on F. Remember that there is one whole step in between the 1st and 2nd notes of a major scale. I now know that F major is the key I’m using. F major has one flat. Now, I will start on G, and play from G to G using the Key of F maj. In other words, I am in the key of F.
The other way to form a Dorian scale is to compare the Dorian to a major scale. You can see that the difference is the 3rd and the 7th notes. In Dorian the B becomes B flat, and the F sharp becomes F natural. In both cases the 3rd and the 7th are lowered
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