Dorian mode: notes, formula and how it sounds
The Dorian mode is a minor scale with a raised 6th (1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 ♭7). Hear it, see it in all 12 keys, and learn which major scale shares its notes.
The Dorian mode is a minor scale with a major 6th: degrees 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7. D Dorian is D E F G A B C D, the white keys from D. It sounds minor but brighter and jazzier than the natural minor, thanks to that raised 6th.
Listen: A Dorian mode
A B C D E F♯ G A
What is the formula of the Dorian mode?
| Value | |
|---|---|
| Notes | 7 |
| Semitones from the tonic | 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12 |
| Step pattern | W-H-W-W-W-H-W |
| Uses the notes of | the major scale a whole step below (2nd mode) |
What does the Dorian mode sound like?
Cool, soulful minor: the sound of funk vamps, modal jazz and many folk tunes.
How to recognise it by ear
- Compare with natural minor: only the 6th differs (B in D Dorian, B flat in D minor).
- Dorian is the 2nd mode of the major scale: D Dorian uses the notes of C major.
- Listen for the bright major-6th note over a minor chord.
Spot the wrong note
Each scale below is a Dorian mode with one note moved a half step. Find it by ear.
Score: / 3 (your score updates as you answer)
The Dorian mode in all 12 keys
| Scale | Notes | Same notes as | Hear it |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Dorian | A B C D E F♯ G | G major | |
| E Dorian | E F♯ G A B C♯ D | D major | |
| B Dorian | B C♯ D E F♯ G♯ A | A major | |
| F♯ Dorian | F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D♯ E | E major | |
| C♯ Dorian | C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A♯ B | B major | |
| G♯ Dorian | G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E♯ F♯ | F♯ major | |
| D Dorian | D E F G A B C | C major | |
| G Dorian | G A B♭ C D E F | F major | |
| C Dorian | C D E♭ F G A B♭ | B♭ major | |
| F Dorian | F G A♭ B♭ C D E♭ | E♭ major | |
| B♭ Dorian | B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G A♭ | A♭ major | |
| E♭ Dorian | E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C D♭ | D♭ major |
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula of the Dorian mode?
W-H-W-W-W-H-W, or degrees 1, 2, flat 3, 4, 5, 6, flat 7 (0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10 semitones).
What is the difference between Dorian and natural minor?
The 6th degree. Dorian has a major 6th, natural minor a minor 6th.
Which notes are in D Dorian?
D E F G A B C: the same notes as C major, starting on D.
How do I find the Dorian mode in any key?
Take the major scale a whole step below and play its notes from the 2nd degree: E Dorian uses the notes of D major.