Originally Posted by: axe2hey how u doin slip.question,if he´s playing the cmj scale,would it be wise to play the second degree of the cmj,Dorian?

Hi Axe! In a nutshell, no. Dorian is considered a "minor" mode. If you're playing in a major key, and want to experiment trying something different, then your best bet is to try the modes that are considered "major", which are Ionian, Lydian, and Mixolydian. That's the short answer.

Someone can always come along and say "oh wait, though, Dorian could work if... (get out the chalkboard and musical note calculator)...". Which gets back to the really short answer of "there's 12 notes available, use whatever you wish". What we are dealing with when it comes to utilizing modes is what sounds good to you? You phrased the question well, saying "would it be wise"... so as a general rule, it would be wise to use the "major" modes when in a major key, and a "minor mode" when in a minor key. By the way, the chalkboard reference isn't to anyone here on Guitar Tricks... its more something that you can encounter when have these kinds of theory based conversations. Christopher is really good with this stuff... his knowledge of theory is very, very deep, but he always manages to put things in a context that us mere mortals can understand and appreciate! :)