How To Play And Create Chord Progressions Using The Dorian Mode

by Simon Candy

In this video, you learn how to play and write chord progressions on guitar using the Dorian mode.

Many songs are written in the dorian mode. It is a great sound that is the brighter slightly more optimistic sounding minor mode.

In this lesson, I break down the dorian mode so you can understand it in a clear and precise manner.

You then learn how to write chord progressions using the dorian mode targeting the all important characteristic note that makes the dorian sound what it is.

I then show you examples of actual songs that use the dorian mode so you can see it in action and deepen your understanding of it.

The dorian mode is a particular favourite of artists and bands such as Carlos Santana, Pink Floyd, and The Beatles to name just a few.

Watch the video below to learn more:

Dorian Chord Progressions

The following are some examples of chord progressions written in the dorian mode. Watch the video above for detailed explanations and break downs of each example.

• Progression 1:

This first example is a i VII IV progression in the key of D dorian. To set up the dorian sound you want to begin on the root chord of the key.

In this case it is Dm:

• Progression 2:

This second example is a common vamp in the D dorian mode.

Such vamps form the basis of many songs including “Evil Ways” by Carols Santana and “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars:

• Progression 3:

Example 3 is another common two chord vamp found in the D Dorian mode.

Such a vamp can be found in the verse of the song “Moondance” by Van Morrison:

• Progression 4:

Example 4 uses a D pedal tone in the bass throughout the progression.

Using such an approach can really emphasise the sound of the mode.

Notice each chord also contains the characteristic note of D dorian that being the B note (watch the video for more detail)

Dorian Song Examples

The following are just some examples of the many songs written in the dorian mode. Watch the video above for detailed explanations and break downs of each song example.

• Mad World: Tears For Fears

“Mad World” by Tears For Fears is in the key of E Dorian.

The verse is made up of a i (Em), III (G), VII (D), IV (A) progression:

The pre chorus is a i (Em), IV (A) progression:

• Uptown Funk: Bruno Mars

“Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars is an example of a song entirely based on a two chord vamp.

It is in the key of D dorian and uses a i (Dm7), IV (G7) progression throughout:

• Moondance: Van Morrison

The verse of “Moondance” by Van Morrison is based on a two chord vamp in the key of A Dorian.

It uses a i (Am7), ii (Bm7) progression:

• Evil Ways: Santana

Finally, the song “Evil Ways” by Carlos Santana is another example of a song entirely based on a two chord vamp this time in the key of G Dorian.

It uses a i (Gm7), IV (C9) progression:

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