How to Practice the Dorian Mode on Minor Chords

The Dorian mode works well when you hear it as a minor sound with a natural 6.

In D Dorian, the notes are:

D, E, F, G, A, B, C

A first Dorian line

The important color here is B natural. That is the note that separates Dorian from natural minor.

Over a small vamp

Try it on Dm7 - G7 - Dm7:

Ascending and descending

Use one ascending idea, then answer it with a descending one:

One practical routine

1. Loop Dm7 or Dm7 - G7.
2. Play one short ascending Dorian idea.
3. Answer it with a descending idea.
4. Make sure you hear B natural clearly.

Scale and arpeggio together

Do not play only scale runs. Mix scale and chord tones:

One thing to listen for

If the line sounds too close to plain minor, bring out the 6th more clearly. In D Dorian, that means giving more presence to B natural.