The A Dorian scale contains seven notes: A, B, C, D, E, F♯, and G. It follows the whole-step / half-step pattern W-H-W-W-W-H-W.
A Dorian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | A | P1 |
| 2 | Supertonic | B | M2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | C | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | D | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | E | P5 |
| 6 | Submediant | F♯ | M6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | G | m7 |
Key Signature
The A Dorian Mode draws its notes from G Major, so it is written with that key signature: 1 sharp (F♯).
Order of sharps
Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.
Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
Diatonic Chords in the A Dorian Mode
These are the triads built on each degree of the A Dorian Mode:
How Dorian Relates to the Major Scale
A Dorian uses the same notes as G Major
Common Tones
Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the A mode shares with its parallel modes (same root, different scale) helps with improvisation, modal interchange, and smooth voice leading. The more notes two modes share, the more closely related they sound — and the easier it is to slide between them in a solo or progression.
| Parallel Mode | Common Notes | Shared / 7 |
|---|---|---|
| A Phrygian | A – B – C – D – E – F♯ – G – A | 8 / 7 |
| A Lydian | A – B – C – D – E – F♯ – G – A | 8 / 7 |
| A Mixolydian | A – B – C – D – E – F♯ – G – A | 8 / 7 |
| A Locrian | A – B – C – D – E – F♯ – G – A | 8 / 7 |
| A Ionian | A – B – C – D – E | 5 / 7 |
| A Aeolian | A – B – C – D – E | 5 / 7 |