G# Dorian
A minor diatonic mode with a major 6th; brighter than natural minor.
Octaves
Musical context
How the mode relates to the scale, chord, key and progression.
Theory
General info
- Name
- G# Dorian
- Family
- Diatonic modes
- Note count
- 7
- Step formula
- W – H – W – W – W – H – W
Notes & degrees
1G#root
2A#major 2nd
b3Bminor 3rd
4C#perfect 4th
5D#perfect 5th
6E#major 6th
b7F#minor 7th
Characteristic degrees
VIE#raised 6th degree
Construction
- Overview
- A minor diatonic mode with a major 6th; brighter than natural minor.
- Application in music
- Pairs with m6 and m13 chords and is used in modal jazz, funk and fusion.
- Interval formula
- G#WA#HBWC#WD#WE#HF#
- Reference mode
- G# Aeolian
G# Aeolian
IG#
IIA#
IIIB
IVC#
VD#
VIE
VIIF#
G# Dorian
IG#
IIA#
IIIB
IVC#
VD#
VIE#
VIIF#
How the mode is built
- Position in the system
- Degree 2 of the parent major scale
- Parent scale
- F# majorDorian mode — degree 2 of the scale
- Parallel major
- G# majormajor from the same tonic
Sibling modes
Chords by degree
Tensions & resolutions
Stable degrees
IG#point of resttonic
IIIBdefines modal qualitythird
VD#supports the tonic sonorityfifth
Typical resolutions & tensions
IIIBB
IVC#C#
In a dominant context, scale degree 4 normally descends by step to 3.
IG#G#
IIA#A#
Scale degree 2 may descend to tonic; the motion is especially close when degree 2 is lowered.
This mode on guitar 🎸
See how G# Dorian looks on guitar.
Circle of fifths
The major key on the same tonic and its neighbouring keys on the circle of fifths.
Connections
Practice
Keyboard Trainer
Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.