The C♭ Dorian scale contains seven notes: C♭, D♭, E♭♭, F♭, G♭, A♭, and B♭♭. It follows the whole-step / half-step pattern W-H-W-W-W-H-W.
The C♭ Dorian mode is the second mode of the B♭♭ Major scale. It has a minor sound with a raised sixth degree, characteristic of jazz, blues, and rock.
C♭ Dorian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | C♭ | P1 |
| 2 | Supertonic | D♭ | M2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | E♭♭ | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | F♭ | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | G♭ | P5 |
| 6 | Submediant | A♭ | M6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | B♭♭ | m7 |
Diatonic Chords in the C♭ Dorian Mode
These are the triads built on each degree of the C♭ Dorian Mode:
How Dorian Relates to the Major Scale
Mode
Key
C♭ Dorian uses the same notes as A Major
Relative modes — all share the same notes
A Ionian=B Dorian=C♯ Phrygian=D Lydian=E Mixolydian=F♯ Aeolian=A♭ Locrian
Common Tones
Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the C♭ 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 |
|---|---|---|
| C♭ Phrygian | C♭ – D♭ – E♭♭ – F♭ – G♭ – A♭ – B♭♭ – C♭ | 8 / 7 |
| C♭ Lydian | C♭ – D♭ – E♭♭ – F♭ – G♭ – A♭ – B♭♭ – C♭ | 8 / 7 |
| C♭ Mixolydian | C♭ – D♭ – E♭♭ – F♭ – G♭ – A♭ – B♭♭ – C♭ | 8 / 7 |
| C♭ Locrian | C♭ – D♭ – E♭♭ – F♭ – G♭ – A♭ – B♭♭ – C♭ | 8 / 7 |
| C♭ Aeolian | C♭ – D♭ – E♭♭ – F♭ – G♭ | 5 / 7 |
| C♭ Ionian | C♭ – D♭ – E♭♭ – F♭ | 4 / 7 |
C♭ Dorian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Cb Dorian mode?
Cb Dorian contains: Cb, Db, Ebb, Fb, Gb, Ab, Bbb. Enharmonic equivalent of B Dorian. Second mode of Bbb Major.
How does Cb Dorian differ from Cb Natural Minor?
Cb Dorian has Ab (major 6th), Cb Natural Minor has Abb (minor 6th).
What is the parent major scale?
Cb Dorian is the second mode of Bbb Major (enharmonically A Major).
How is Cb Dorian used in music?
Enharmonic equivalent of B Dorian. Musicians use B Dorian in practice.
What chords are built from Cb Dorian?
Same as B Dorian in enharmonic spelling. The major IV over Cb minor is the Dorian sound.
What songs use the Dorian mode?
So What (Miles Davis), Oye Como Va (Santana). Sound identical regardless of spelling.