Dorian mode is the second mode of the major scale.
Dorian mode’s formula is: R 2 b3 4 5 6 b7 R
The notes in C Dorian mode are: C D Eb F G A Bb C
It’s parent major scale is Bb major: Bb C D Eb F G A Bb
The interval structure for Dorian Mode is:
Tone, Semi-Tone, Tone, Tone, Tone, Semi-Tone. Tone
or
Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole
Tone=2 frets, Major Second
Semi-Tone=1 fret, Minor Second
Whole Step=2 frets, Major Second
Half Step=1 fret, Minor Second
From an ear training perspective, Dorian mode sounds Bluesy. You can hear it in the Im-bIII-IV blues progressions (Em-G-A)
Auditory Association (Songs):
- LaGrange, Tush – ZZ Top
- Hot for teacher, Somebody get me a doctor – Van Halen
- Oye Como Va – Tito Puente/Santana
- Purple Haze – Jimi Hendrix