A Dorian Mode
A – B – C – D – E – F# – G
Formula:W-H-W-W-W-H-W
Intervals:P1-M2-m3-P4-P5-M6-m7-P8
Scale Degrees:1-2-♭3-4-5-6-♭7-8
Introduction
The A Dorian mode is the second mode of the G Major scale. It has a minor sound with a raised sixth degree, characteristic of jazz, blues, and rock.
A Dorian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | A4 | P1 |
| 2 | Supertonic | B4 | M2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | C5 | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | D5 | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | E5 | P5 |
| 6 | Submediant | F#5 | M6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | G5 | m7 |
| 8 | Octave | A5 | P8 |
A Dorian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the A Dorian mode?
A Dorian contains: A, B, C, D, E, F#, G. Second mode of G Major. The raised 6th (F# instead of F) distinguishes it from A Natural Minor.
How does A Dorian differ from A Natural Minor?
One note: A Dorian has F# (major 6th), A Natural Minor has F (minor 6th).
What is the parent major scale?
A Dorian is the second mode of G Major.
How is A Dorian used in music?
Extremely common in blues, funk, and rock. A Dorian over Am7 is standard. Many classic rock and funk songs use A Dorian.
What chords are built from A Dorian?
Am, Bm, C, D, Em, F#dim, G. Major IV (D) over A minor is the Dorian hallmark.
What songs use the Dorian mode?
Oye Como Va (Santana), Evil Ways (Santana), and many blues-funk tunes use A Dorian.
Practice Tips
- Raise F to F# — hear how one note transforms A minor from dark to warm.
- A Dorian is one of the most popular modes in blues and funk.
- D Major (IV) over A minor is the signature Dorian sound.
- Practice over an Am7 vamp — ubiquitous in popular music.
- Nearly all white keys plus F# — easy to play.
- Compare with A Aeolian (natural minor) — train your ear.