Dorian Scale

The Dorian scale is a minor scale with a major 6th. In A that's A B C D E F# G: the notes of A natural minor with F# instead of F. That one change takes the sadness out of minor and leaves something cool and soulful, the minor sound of funk, soul, jazz and Latin rock.

It's also the scale that turns a two-chord minor vamp into music. Because of the F#, Dorian contains both Am7 and D major, so the classic i to IV groove (Am7 to D) comes straight out of it.

If you did the Modes chapter, you've met Dorian in D. This chapter takes it across the neck in A:

1. Formula, patterns and sound. The degrees, five positions plus a 3-notes-per-string shape, where it fits and how to move it to any key. Free.
2. Practice exercises. 3 notes per string, groups of four, diatonic 3rds and a line that connects two positions.
3. Soloing. An Am7-D funk vamp to play over, two original licks, and how to make the F# the star of your lines.