Dorian (II) - Ukulele
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
| Degree | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interval | Root | Major second | Minor third | Perfect fourth | Perfect fifth | Major sixth | Minor seventh |
| Semitones | 0 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 |
Formula: 1 - 2 - ♭3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - ♭7
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)
