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.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | D♯(D#) |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | E♯(E#) |
| 3 | 3m | 3 | F♯(F#) |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | G♯(G#) |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | A♯(A#) |
| 6 | 6M | 9 | B♯(B#) |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | C♯(C#) |
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.
Famous songs
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.
Scales related to D♯ Dorian
Once you are comfortable with D♯ Dorian, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with D♯ Dorian and are a natural next step in your study.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the D♯ Dorian scale?
What is the formula for the D♯ Dorian scale?
Is D♯ Dorian a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the D♯ Dorian scale?
Which genres use D♯ Dorian?
How do I practise the D♯ Dorian scale?
Take D♯ Dorian into your music
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