D Dorian at a glance
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 D, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where D is a comfortable tonal centre.
| Notes | D E F G A B C |
|---|---|
| Formula | 1P · 2M · 3m · 4P · 5P · 6M · 7m |
| Step pattern | W H W W W H W |
| Chords in the key | DmEmFGAmB°C |
Chords in the D Dorian scale
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
D Dorian on the piano
Improvisation drone · D
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
On the piano D Dorian uses only white keys.
D · E · F · G · A · B · C
Play D Dorian on the online piano
Free, in your browser: play with the mouse, your computer keyboard or a USB MIDI keyboard. No sign-up.
D Dorian on the guitar
D Dorian - fr 0–12
D Dorian on the staff
Notes of the D Dorian scale
| Degree | Note | Interval | Semitones | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D | unison1P | 0 | |
| 2 | E | major 2nd2M | 2 | |
| 3 | F | minor 3rd3m | 3 | |
| 4 | G | perfect 4th4P | 5 | |
| 5 | A | perfect 5th5P | 7 | |
| 6 | B | major 6th6M | 9 | |
| 7 | C | minor 7th7m | 10 |
What makes D Dorian different
Dorian is a minor mode with a major sixth, and that one note is all that separates it from natural minor. Because of the major sixth, the IV chord is major rather than minor, and the i to IV vamp is the sound most people recognise as Dorian. It's the second mode of the major scale, so it has the same notes as the major scale a whole step below its root. Its step pattern (W H W W W H W) reads the same forwards and backwards, and it's the brightest of the three common minor modes. On D, D Dorian has B where D Natural Minor has B♭; every other note is shared with D Natural Minor (D E F G A B♭ C).
Modes from D Dorian
Each note of this scale produces a different mode with its own character.
How to use the D Dorian scale
The diatonic chords of D Dorian are: i = Dm, ii = Em, III = F, IV = G, v = Am, vi° = B°, VII = C. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in D Dorian. Each one in the chord table on this page opens its own 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.
Formula & step pattern
The D 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.
Famous songs in D Dorian
These well-known tracks all use the D Dorian scale.
- 01So WhatMiles Davis
Questions people ask
What notes are in the D Dorian scale?
The D Dorian scale contains D, E, F, G, A, B and C.
What is the formula for the D Dorian scale?
D Dorian follows a minor scale with a raised sixth degree (W-H-W-W-W-H-W).
Is D Dorian a major or minor scale?
D Dorian is a dorian scale. Minor scale with a bright raised sixth - sophisticated and groove-friendly.
What chords belong to the D Dorian scale?
The diatonic chords of D Dorian are Dm, Em, F, G, Am, B°, C.
Which genres use D Dorian?
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.
How do you play the D Dorian scale on the piano?
On the piano D Dorian uses only white keys.
What is the difference between D Dorian and D Natural Minor?
On D, D Dorian has B where D Natural Minor has B♭; every other note is shared with D Natural Minor (D E F G A B♭ C).
How do I practise the D Dorian scale?
Solo over a minor 7 chord using only dorian notes. That raised sixth makes phrases sound bright without losing the minor character.