NoisyLittleBugger

The chords of the Dorian mode are a specific set of diatonic triads and seventh chords that give it its unique sound. The Dorian mode is the second mode of the major scale, and its most defining feature is the major 6th interval, which distinguishes it from the natural minor scale.

The Diatonic Chords of the Dorian Mode

The Dorian mode’s chord qualities follow a specific pattern. Let’s use the key of D Dorian as an example. The notes are D, E, F, G, A, B, C.

• i – Minor (Dm): The tonic or root chord.
• ii – Minor (Em): The supertonic chord.
• ♭III – Major (F): The mediant chord.
• IV – Major (G): The subdominant chord. This is a very important chord because it contains the major 6th of the scale (the B note in this case), which is key to the Dorian sound.
• v – Minor (Am): The dominant chord.
• vi° – Diminished (Bdim): The submediant chord.
• ♭VII – Major (C): The subtonic chord. This chord is also essential for creating a modal, rather than traditional minor, sound.

The two chords that are most important for creating a “Dorian sound” are the IV (Major) and ♭VII (Major) chords. Progressions that use these chords, such as i-IV (Dm-G) or i-♭VII (Dm-C), immediately establish the modal quality and avoid the typical minor key feel.

This entry was posted on September 13, 2025 at 20:11 and is filed under Guitar Toots.