D Dorian Mode
Introduction
D Dorian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | D4 | P1 |
| 2 | Supertonic | E4 | M2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | F4 | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | G4 | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | A4 | P5 |
| 6 | Submediant | B4 | M6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | C5 | m7 |
| 8 | Octave | D5 | P8 |
D Dorian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the D Dorian mode?
D Dorian contains: D, E, F, G, A, B, C. All white keys — the easiest Dorian mode to play. It is the second mode of C Major. The raised 6th (B instead of Bb) distinguishes it from D Natural Minor.
How does D Dorian differ from D Natural Minor?
One note: D Dorian has B natural (major 6th), D Natural Minor has Bb (minor 6th). That B natural gives Dorian its warm, jazzy character.
What is the parent major scale of D Dorian?
D Dorian is the second mode of C Major. Same seven notes (all white keys) with D as the tonal centre.
How is D Dorian used in music?
D Dorian is the most famous Dorian key — Miles Davis's So What uses D Dorian for the A sections. It works over Dm7 and is the default jazz improvisation mode over minor 7th chords.
What chords are built from D Dorian?
Dm, Em, F, G, Am, Bdim, C. The major IV (G Major) over D minor is the hallmark Dorian sound.
What songs use the Dorian mode?
So What (Miles Davis) is in D Dorian. Oye Como Va (Santana), Scarborough Fair, and many jazz standards use D Dorian.
Practice Tips
- D Dorian is all white keys — the easiest mode to learn. Start here.
- Play D Natural Minor then raise Bb to B — hear the Dorian warmth.
- The So What vamp: loop Dm7 using only white keys starting from D. This is jazz history.
- G Major (IV) over D minor is the Dorian signature — play Dm then G to hear it.
- Practice D Dorian over a Dm7 vamp for jazz improvisation.
- D Dorian is the first mode every jazz student should learn — all white keys, maximum musicality.