Jazz Guitar Lesson - E Dorian Mode

Let's start by taking a look at the E Dorian Mode.

The reason we are using E Dorian is because the chord progression contains a C#. The A13 chord or any form of A major contains A, C#, and E. C# is not in the E Minor scale, but is in the E Dorian. The raised 6th over a minor chord is what I like to call the Dorian note. E Dorian contains the notes E F# G A B C# D E. These are the same notes that are in a D Major scale. To play a Dorian Mode, simply take the minor chord or key you are in (in this case Em) and go down one whole step (which equals 2 frets) and play a major scale. This is the Dorian mode. Here’s the D Major scale starting at the 10th fret.