C Dorian scale
The C Dorian scale is a 7-note dorian scale built on the root C. Its notes are C, D, E♭, F, G, A and B♭. Minor scale with a bright raised sixth - sophisticated and groove-friendly. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make C Dorian a great tool for improvising and composing.
Dorian pops up in jazz standards, modal rock, Celtic folk, hip-hop samples and film scores. That bright sixth adds a hopeful edge to an otherwise minor mood. Built on the root C, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where C is a comfortable tonal centre.
C Dorian on the piano
C Dorian on the guitar
C Dorian on the staff
Hear the C Dorian scale
Improvisation drone
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
Notes of the C Dorian scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | C |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | D |
| 3 | 3m | 3 | E♭(Eb) |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | F |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | G |
| 6 | 6M | 9 | A |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | B♭(Bb) |
Diatonic chords of C Dorian
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
Modes from C Dorian
Each note of this scale produces a different mode with its own character.
How to use the C Dorian scale
The diatonic chords of C Dorian are: i = Cm, ii = Dm, III = E♭, IV = F, v = Gm, vi° = A°, VII = B♭. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in C Dorian. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
Dorian pops up in jazz standards, modal rock, Celtic folk, hip-hop samples and film scores. That bright sixth adds a hopeful edge to an otherwise minor mood.
Practice tips
Solo over a minor 7 chord using only dorian notes. That raised sixth makes phrases sound bright without losing the minor character.
Famous songs
C Dorian appears throughout dorian pops up in jazz standards, modal rock, celtic folk, hip-hop samples and film scores. that bright sixth adds a hopeful edge to an otherwise minor mood. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Scales related to C Dorian
Once you are comfortable with C Dorian, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with C Dorian and are a natural next step in your study.
Formula & step pattern
The C Dorian scale follows a minor scale with a raised sixth degree (W-H-W-W-W-H-W). Step pattern: W - H - W - W - W - H - W. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2M · 3m · 4P · 5P · 6M · 7m. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the C Dorian scale?
What is the formula for the C Dorian scale?
Is C Dorian a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the C Dorian scale?
Which genres use C Dorian?
How do I practise the C Dorian scale?
Take C Dorian into your music
Build progressions, find chord voicings and improvise with confidence using our music tools.