G Dorian Timple Canario Scale
Timple Canario scale — fretboard diagram
G Dorian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G Dorian scale is the second mode of the major scale, offering a soulful and sophisticated minor sound. On Timple Canario, it contains the notes G, A, Bb, C, D, E, F. Because it features a major sixth, it sounds brighter and more hopeful than the natural minor. It is the go-to scale for jazz, funk, and modal blues. The diatonic chords of G Dorian are Gm7, Am7, BbMaj7, C7, Dm7, Em7b5, FMaj7. Commonly used in Funk, Jazz, Fusion, Neo-Soul, Blues. Notable players include Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana, D'Angelo. Use over m7, m9, m11, m13 chords. The go-to scale for any minor chord in funk, jazz, and soul. Works especially well over long minor vamps.
Notes: G, A, Bb, C, D, E, F
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Formula: W-H-W-W-W-H-W
Number of notes: 7
Diatonic Chords
Gm7 — Am7 — B♭Maj7 — C7 — Dm7 — Em7♭5 — FMaj7
How to Play G Dorian on Timple Canario
Begin by locating G on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Dorian scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The G Dorian scale contains 1 flat (Bb). Its relative major is Bb major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the G Dorian scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (G-Bb, A-C) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Try these progressions with the G Dorian scale: Gm7 - C7 - Dm7 - Gm7 (I-IV-V-I) or Gm7 - Am7 - C7 - Dm7 for a more stepwise movement.
Timple Canario Tips
Practice the G Dorian scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed.
The G Dorian scale contains 7 notes (G, A, Bb, C, D, E, F). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Timple Canario with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for G Dorian
The G Dorian scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.