The D Dorian scale contains seven notes: D, E, F, G, A, B, and C. It follows the whole-step / half-step pattern W-H-W-W-W-H-W.
The D Dorian mode is the second mode of the C Major scale. It has a minor sound with a raised sixth degree, characteristic of jazz, blues, and rock.
D Dorian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | D | P1 |
| 2 | Supertonic | E | M2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | F | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | G | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | A | P5 |
| 6 | Submediant | B | M6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | C | m7 |
Key Signature
The D Dorian Mode draws its notes from C Major, so it is written with that key signature: no sharps or flats.
Diatonic Chords in the D Dorian Mode
These are the triads built on each degree of the D Dorian Mode:
How Dorian Relates to the Major Scale
Mode
Key
D Dorian uses the same notes as C Major
Relative modes — all share the same notes
C Ionian=D Dorian=E Phrygian=F Lydian=G Mixolydian=A Aeolian=B Locrian
Common Tones
Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the D 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 |
|---|---|---|
| D Phrygian | D – E – F – G – A – B – C – D | 8 / 7 |
| D Lydian | D – E – F – G – A – B – C – D | 8 / 7 |
| D Mixolydian | D – E – F – G – A – B – C – D | 8 / 7 |
| D Locrian | D – E – F – G – A – B – C – D | 8 / 7 |
| D Ionian | D – E – F – G – A | 5 / 7 |
| D Aeolian | D – E – F – G – A | 5 / 7 |
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.