The Dorian Scale in Dropped D Tuning
The D Dorian scale features no sharps or flats. Here it is demonstrated over two octaves, ascending in open position and descending in 2nd position. To play in each position efficiently, the fingering will need to be different for each one.
The Dorian Mode is often used by Carlos Santana. The following exercise shows off the Dorian sound. Let the low D note ring throughout bars 1 and 3.
As mentioned earlier, incorporating the Dropped D note is an effective way to "anchor" a melody. This is demonstrated in the following example. The "bass-like" quality of the open 6th string gives the ears a reference point against the high-pitched and fluctuating melody. Also, note the convenience of the one-fingered power chord, which is easily accessed amongst a flurry of single notes and thirds.
Dropped D offers some interesting possibilities for slash chords. From a root 5 perspective, the chord in bar 1 is called D/G (with a suspended 4th), but from a root 6 perspective that same chord could be thought of as G sus 2 (suspended 2nd).
