Dorian Scale

The dorian scale is the mode built off the second note of the major scale. It differs from a major scale because it has a lowered 3rd, and lowered 7th. The characteristic note is the 6th note of the scale and should be somewhat avoided unless the song is modal and then the 6th becomes a very beautiful note. There are many songs that are in the dorian mode because it's usually the default scale for minor chords in jazz. Examples include Miles Davis' "So What" or "Body and Soul." Also note that this is the scale to play on the II-7 chord of a II-7 V7 Imaj7 chord progression.


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