G♭ Dorian Mode

Hear the G♭ Dorian Mode played for you.

G♭ – A♭ – B𝄫 – C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F♭

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 Gb Dorian mode is the second mode of the Fb Major scale. It has a minor sound with a raised sixth degree, characteristic of jazz, blues, and rock.

G♭ Dorian Mode Notes

Degree	Name	Note	Interval
1	Tonic	G♭	P1
2	Supertonic	A♭	M2
♭3	Mediant	B𝄫	m3
4	Subdominant	C♭	P4
5	Dominant	D♭	P5
6	Submediant	E♭	M6
♭7	Leading Tone	F♭	m7

How Dorian Relates to the Major Scale

Mode

Key

F♯ Dorian uses the same notes as E Major

Relative modes — all share the same notes

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

Common Tones

Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the G♭ 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
G♭ Phrygian	G♭ – A♭ – B𝄫 – C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F♭ – G♭	8 / 7
G♭ Lydian	G♭ – A♭ – B𝄫 – C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F♭ – G♭	8 / 7
G♭ Mixolydian	G♭ – A♭ – B𝄫 – C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F♭ – G♭	8 / 7
G♭ Locrian	G♭ – A♭ – B𝄫 – C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F♭ – G♭	8 / 7
G♭ Ionian	G♭ – A♭ – B𝄫 – C♭	4 / 7
G♭ Aeolian	G♭ – A♭ – B𝄫	3 / 7

G♭ Dorian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the Gb Dorian mode?

Gb Dorian contains: Gb, Ab, Bbb, Cb, Db, Eb, Fb. Second mode of Fb Major. Enharmonic equivalent of F# Dorian.

How does Gb Dorian differ from Gb Natural Minor?

Gb Dorian has Eb (major 6th), Gb Natural Minor has Ebb (minor 6th).

What is the parent major scale?

Gb Dorian is the second mode of Fb Major (enharmonically E Major).

How is Gb Dorian used in music?

Enharmonic F# Dorian is more commonly written. Works over Gbm7 chords.

What chords are built from Gb Dorian?

Gbm, Abm, Bbb, Cb, Dbm, Ebdim, Fb. Major IV over Gb minor is the Dorian sound.

What songs use the Dorian mode?

So What (Miles Davis), Oye Como Va (Santana).

Practice Tips

Gb Dorian and F# Dorian are enharmonic.
Translate to F# Dorian for easier reading.
The raised 6th gives Dorian its warm character.
Practice over a Gbm7 vamp.
Major IV over Gb minor is the signature.
Compare with Gb Aeolian.