The Dorian mode is the second of the seven scales derived from the C major scale. This means the Dorian scale starts on note D and uses the same notes as in the C major scale, but from D to D. Since the Dorian mode begins on the second note of the major scale, the Dorian scale can be built by starting on the second note of any major scale.

The Dorian mode is considered a minor mode, which means that if you compare it to the major scale, you will see the 3rd and 7th notes are lowered by a half step. The Dorian scale and the natural minor scale are very similar. The only difference between the two scales is the raised 6th note a half step in the Dorian scale, which brings out a completely different character in the Dorian mode. So relating the Dorian scale to the natural minor scale makes it easier to identify the characteristic note that differentiates it from the natural minor scale.

To make a chord progression sound like it's in the Dorian mode, use the chords that contain the raised 6th note more often. For more of the Dorian flavor, you can have the melody center on this characteristic raised 6th. In the video, I demonstrate how to present the Dorian sound in both the chord progression and melody.

https://youtu.be/kvefV-rxRfs