Play the dorian (ii) scale on the charango
Dorian mode is the second mode of the major scale. With its bright minor character, it's the preferred mode of jazz and funk.
Intervals table
| I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Root | Major second | Minor third | Perfect fourth | Perfect fifth | Major sixth | Minor seventh |
| 0 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 |
| — | +2 | +1 | +2 | +2 | +2 | +1 |
Theoretical construction
Dorian mode is the second degree of the major scale. If you play a C major scale starting from D, you get D Dorian. Compared to natural minor, it has a major sixth (6 instead of ♭6). Its tonic chord is min7 (e.g., Dmin7). The major sixth creates a tritone interval with the minor third (♭3-6), giving its unique color. In modal jazz, you can stay on a single Dorian chord throughout a section (modal vamp), creating a hypnotic atmosphere rather than harmonic progression.
Position examples
Example with A Dorian (II)
