What is a Dorian Mode?

The Dorian mode is one of the seven musical modes and is similar to the natural minor scale but with one important difference. It has a raised sixth note compared to the natural minor scale. The pattern of intervals for the Dorian mode is: whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step, whole step.

For example, the D Dorian mode includes the notes D, E, F, G, A, B, and C before returning to D an octave higher. These notes are the same as those found in the C major scale, but the tonal center begins on D instead of C. Because of the raised sixth note, the Dorian mode has a slightly brighter and more hopeful sound than a typical minor scale.

The Dorian mode is widely used in jazz, rock, funk, and modal music. It often appears in improvisation and chord progressions that emphasize minor harmonies with a unique tonal color. Because of its balanced mix of minor and brighter tones, the Dorian mode is one of the most commonly used modes in modern music.