PROBLEM WITH DORIAN b2

[Skin]

Hi, People!
I need help badly.
What's the difference between A Dorian scale and A Dorian mode?
(Would there be a difference in playing each of them?)
Would the respective notes of the two be the same?
So... how can one derive the notes of a particular scale for each variation (ie A, B, or C Minor Pentatonic)

I've been trying to learn the Dorian b2 scale, and the scale formula is 1 b2 b3 4 5 6 b7. Thus the notes for E Dorian b2 would be E F G A B C# Db. However from I read, the notes are E F G A B C# D. Things got more complicated after I found different scale patterns from different web sites. So does anybody know, what should be the notes for E Dorian b2. How does one derive the notes of a scale from its formula? Of course... can someone tell me the scale pattern for Dorian b2?

Finally, what does it mean to play a chord over a scale?

Thanks.

[cyberfret]

There is no difference between a Dorian Mode and a Dorian Scale. Just a different term for the same thing. But the word "mode" is used just to show the derivative nature of the scale. A D Dorian Mode is derived from a C major scale.

The formula for a Dorian mode is 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7

Be sure and read this lesson on the basics of modes
http://www.cyberfret.com/theory/modes/101/index.htm

A Dorian b2 mode is just a Dorian mode with a b2.......surprise :) The formula is just how you said 1 b2 b3 4 5 6 b7. The formula is the notes in relationship to a major scale with the same root. If it says b2, then the note is a half step lower than the 2nd note of a major scale

E major scale = E F# G# A B C# D#

E Dorian b2 = E F G A B C# D

Chords are derived from scales. Scales can be played over chords. A lesson in how to match particular chords with particular scales is beyond a reply in a forum....but that mode lesson will give you a start with the idea of using different modes with different chords.

Dorian b2 is the 2nd mode of a Melodic Minor scale. Just like with a major scale you can derive 7 modes from a Melodic Minor. You can also to the same with Harmonic Minor. These are not as common as the ones derived from the major scale, so I would really make those your first priority. But exotic modes are loads of fun :) One of my favorite guitar players when I was growing up was John McLaughlin. Check out his work with the Mahavishnu Orchestra.

--Shawn

[Skin]

Thanks, Man!