a question regarding modes

[drizzt75]

ok ive started to knuckle down with my theory and learn all the modes now i have hit a bit of a problem thats really screwing with my head let me explain..

In the key of c major the second step of the scale in modes is d dorian now when i play this scale id tab it out here but dunno how anyhow im using guitar pro to get the paterns my problem is no matter how hard i try it always seems to need to end on a c note i play the patern at the 10th fret low e string shape and when i come back down the scale it seems to my ear to need to end (resolve) on the c at the 8th fret on the low e string is this normal or am i doign somethink wrong here ?

[MelodyMan]

That's because modes are more about the context that you're playing in - try to find a backing track that's Dm to G major or make one yourself and you'll hear what makes Dorian Dorian. And you shouldn't feel the need to resolve down to C if your backing track is based on Dorian. You could also do this over a straight Dm backing track that just vamps. Check out Dave Weiner's riff of the week series on iTunes and youtube...he has some backing tracks for all the modes. Good luck!

[drizzt75]

thank you for the reply and thank you so much for lettign me know about riff of the week its awsome wow thanks

[sweetnsour30]

Modes are beautiful, if you know your modes, and patterns, and popular progressions, you'r on the right track, take the D dorian mode for example, a popular progression for a Dorian jam would be I-IV, which is Dm-G. The key note in the Dorian mode is the natural 6th, in this case, the B note, which happens to be the major third of the G chord.

If you have any questions abou modes or other theory, don't hesitate !!

Steph,