D♭ Dorian scale
The D♭ Dorian scale is a 7-note dorian scale built on the root D♭. Its notes are D♭, E♭, F♭, G♭, A♭, B♭ and C♭. Minor scale with a bright raised sixth - sophisticated and groove-friendly. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make D♭ 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 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
- Tonic
- D♭
D♭ Dorian on the piano
D♭ Dorian on the guitar
D♭ Dorian on the staff
Hear the D♭ Dorian scale
Improvisation drone
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
Notes of the D♭ Dorian scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | D♭(Db) | |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | E♭(Eb) | |
| 3 | 3m | 3 | F♭(Fb) | |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | G♭(Gb) | |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | A♭(Ab) | |
| 6 | 6M | 9 | B♭(Bb) | |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | C♭(Cb) |
Diatonic chords of D♭ Dorian
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
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 = D♭m, ii = E♭m, III = F♭, IV = G♭, v = A♭m, vi° = B♭°, VII = C♭. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in D♭ 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.
Where you will hear D♭ Dorian
D♭ 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.
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.
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 D♭m, E♭m, F♭, G♭, A♭m, 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 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.