Mode
Dorian Mode
The Dorian mode is the second mode of the major scale, a minor scale with a raised sixth that gives it a warm, jazzy, soulful sound.
Each key below opens the full reference entry — keyboard diagram, audio, fingerings, and notation.
Formula: W–H–W–W–W–H–W
Scale degrees: 1–2–♭3–4–5–6–♭7
Characteristic note: Major 6th (raised compared to natural minor)
Sound: Minor but warm, jazzy, soulful
Common in: Jazz, blues, funk, rock, neo-soul, lo-fi
Famous example: So What — Miles Davis (D Dorian)
How Dorian differs from Natural Minor Only one note changes — the 6th degree is raised by a half step. This single note transforms the dark natural minor into something warmer and jazzier. The major IV chord built on that raised 6th is the hallmark Dorian sound.
About the Dorian Mode
Dorian mode starts on the second degree of the major scale and features a minor third and minor seventh with a characteristic raised sixth. This raised sixth — one semitone higher than in natural minor — gives Dorian its distinctive warm, jazzy, and slightly optimistic sound despite being a minor mode.
The C Dorian mode is the second mode of the Bb Major scale. It has a minor sound with a raised sixth degree, characteristic of jazz, blues, and rock.
How Dorian differs from Natural Minor Only one note changes — the 6th degree is raised by a half step. This single note transforms the dark natural minor into something warmer and jazzier. The major IV chord built on that raised 6th is the hallmark Dorian sound.
Musical Characteristics
- Minor quality with a raised (major) 6th
- Warmer and jazzier than natural minor (Aeolian)
- Creates a soulful, groove-oriented feel
- Works over minor 7th chords and ii–V progressions
Common Uses
- Jazz improvisation — especially over minor ii chords
- Funk and R&B grooves
- Rock guitar solos (Carlos Santana, The Beatles)
- Video game and film music for heroic minor themes
Common Chord Progressions
Dorian vamp
i – IV
Minor ii–V–i
ii∅7 – V7 – i
Groove vamp
i7 – IV7
Famous Examples in Music
- "Oye Como Va" — Santana
- "So What" — Miles Davis
- "Scarborough Fair" — traditional
- "Smoke on the Water" — Deep Purple
Browse by key
All 18 spellings, ♯ and ♭ keys listed separately.
Dorian in All 18 Keys
C DorianNotes: C – D – E♭ – F – G – A – B♭C♯ DorianNotes: C♯ – D♯ – E – F♯ – G♯ – A♯ – BD♭ DorianNotes: D♭ – E♭ – F♭ – G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C♭D DorianNotes: D – E – F – G – A – B – CD♯ DorianNotes: D♯ – E♯ – F♯ – G♯ – A♯ – B♯ – C♯E♭ DorianNotes: E♭ – F – G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭E DorianNotes: E – F♯ – G – A – B – C♯ – DF DorianNotes: F – G – A♭ – B♭ – C – D – E♭F♯ DorianNotes: F♯ – G♯ – A – B – C♯ – D♯ – EG♭ DorianNotes: G♭ – A♭ – B♭♭ – C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F♭G DorianNotes: G – A – B♭ – C – D – E – FG♯ DorianNotes: G♯ – A♯ – B – C♯ – D♯ – E♯ – F♯A♭ DorianNotes: A♭ – B♭ – C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F – G♭A DorianNotes: A – B – C – D – E – F♯ – GA♯ DorianNotes: A♯ – B♯ – C♯ – D♯ – E♯ – F♯♯ – G♯B♭ DorianNotes: B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭ – F – G – A♭B DorianNotes: B – C♯ – D – E – F♯ – G♯ – AC♭ DorianNotes: C♭ – D♭ – E♭♭ – F♭ – G♭ – A♭ – B♭♭
Want the full theory? How all seven modes relate, the bright-to-dark spectrum, characteristic notes, and practice strategies.Read the Modes Guide ›