A Dorian Mode

Hear the A Dorian Mode played for you.

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	A	P1
2	Supertonic	B	M2
♭3	Mediant	C	m3
4	Subdominant	D	P4
5	Dominant	E	P5
6	Submediant	F♯	M6
♭7	Leading Tone	G	m7

How Dorian Relates to the Major Scale

Mode

Key

A Dorian uses the same notes as G Major

Relative modes — all share the same notes

G Ionian=A Dorian=B Phrygian=C Lydian=D Mixolydian=E Aeolian=F♯ Locrian

Common Tones

Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the A mode shares with its parallel modes (same root, different scale) helps with improvisation, modal interchange, and smooth voice leading. The more notes two modes share, the more closely related they sound — and the easier it is to slide between them in a solo or progression.

Parallel Mode	Common Notes	Shared / 7
A Phrygian	A – B – C – D – E – F♯ – G – A	8 / 7
A Lydian	A – B – C – D – E – F♯ – G – A	8 / 7
A Mixolydian	A – B – C – D – E – F♯ – G – A	8 / 7
A Locrian	A – B – C – D – E – F♯ – G – A	8 / 7
A Ionian	A – B – C – D – E	5 / 7
A Aeolian	A – B – C – D – E	5 / 7

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.