Dorian Mode Pentatonic Licks: Learn A Simple Trick For Creating & Playing Original Dorian Phrases

Did you know that there’s an easy way to play jazzy Dorian modal licks? In this lesson we show you how to create Dorian mode solos using common pentatonic scale shapes.

Most guitarists are familiar with pentatonic scales and are confident playing them in one or more fretboard positions. The same scale shapes can also be used to play Dorian modal licks. Read on to find out how…

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Dorian Mode Pentatonic Licks

The Dorian modal scale has a distinctive sound that can add interest to a solo. Even if you already use the Dorian mode in your playing, using pentatonic shapes to play Dorian licks will give you a new approach to use in your solos.

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Backing Track For Dorian Mode Pentatonic Licks

Once you’ve mastered the technique, play your own licks over this backing track:

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Scale Theory

The theory behind creating Dorian mode pentatonic licks is relatively simple. Basically, the Dorian modal scale contains all of the notes from not one, but two, pentatonic minor scales. We will use the D Dorian modal scale as an example:

D Dorian Modal Scale

The D Dorian modal scale contains the following notes:

D E F G A B C

D Pentatonic Minor Scale

The D pentatonic minor scale contains these notes:

D F G A C

E Pentatonic Minor Scale

The E pentatonic minor scale contains these notes:

E G A B D

As you can see, the Dorian modal scale contains all of the notes from both the D and the E pentatonic scales. This means that by using a combination of D and E pentatonic minor scales you can construct Dorian licks. Listen to this example solo to hear how it can sound, then play the example licks below.

Confused? Further down the page there is a reminder about how a modal scale is constructed. You can also find out more about modes here: Guitar Modes. Read about pentatonic scales here: Pentatonic Scale Guitar.

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Example Solo

To get you in the mood, here is an example solo played using the pentatonic / Dorian trick…

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Example Dorian Licks Using Pentatonic Scales

Notice how the following licks are played using just one pentatonic scale shape. This shape is shifted between the 10th and 12th fingerboard positions.

By moving up and down between the D and E pentatonic scales you can create original-sounding Dorian mode licks. The following scales were used to create the example licks:

2 Octave D Pentatonic Minor Scale TAB

2 Octave D Pentatonic Minor Scale TAB

Using pentatonic scales in this way opens up a wide range of possibilities. Most guitarists are very confident playing pentatonic scales. This trick can be used with other pentatonic scale shapes in other fretboard positions.

Using Pentatonic / Dorian Mode Licks In Jazz

These techniques can be used in any kind of music, from folk to rock. However, they are particularly relevant to jazz and fusion music, where modal improvisation is common. Using pentatonic scales in this way can help to make your soloing sound less scalic and more original.

A Note On Dorian Modal Scale Theory

Essentially, a D Dorian modal scale is the same as a C major scale that has been shifted up one note, so that it starts and ends on a D, rather than a C. Likewise, an E Dorian modal scale is the same as a D major scale with the start and end notes shifted up one note, and so on for every major scale.

Notes In C Major Scale:

C D E F G A B C

Notes In D Dorian Scale:

D E F G A B C D

For more information on modal scales see: Guitar Modes

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Over To You…

We hope that you enjoy experimenting with this technique. If you have any questions on Dorian mode pentatonic licks then please ask away in the comments below.