D dorian scale
How to play the D dorian scale
D DorianD · E · F · G · A · B · C · D
Piano samples: Salamander Grand Piano (CC-BY 3.0)
D dorian scale — notes and structure
The D dorian scale is a minor mode with a raised sixth — mellow and jazzy, common in funk, rock and modal jazz.
The D dorian scale consists of the notes D, E, F, G, A, B, C. Its interval structure is R–2–♭3–4–5–6–♭7 — the intervals from the root that give the scale its sound. This is the same scale you see in the interactive finder above, drawn on the piano keyboard with the root circled and every note labelled.
Its step pattern is whole · half · whole · whole · whole · half · whole — the shape that makes it the dorian scale in any key.
Play the 7 notes D, E, F, G, A, B, C in order from the root D; the interactive keyboard above lights up every note of the scale.
Chords in the D dorian scale
Stack the scale’s own notes in thirds and you get these seven chords — the harmony available to you without leaving the scale.
Frequently asked questions
- What notes are in the D dorian scale?
- The D dorian scale has the 7 notes D, E, F, G, A, B, C. It is a minor mode with a raised sixth — mellow and jazzy, common in funk, rock and modal jazz.
- How many notes are in the D dorian scale?
- 7 notes: D, E, F, G, A, B, C.
- What is the dorian scale used for?
- The dorian scale is a minor mode with a raised sixth — mellow and jazzy, common in funk, rock and modal jazz — hear it and see it on the keyboard above.
- What chords are in the D dorian scale?
- Stacking the scale's own notes in thirds gives Dm (i), Em (ii), F (III), G (IV), Am (v), Bdim (vi°), C (VII).