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Modes

Dorian Scale

The 2nd mode of the major scale. Minor-sounding but with a raised 6th, giving it a bright, funky quality compared to natural minor.

funkysoulfulminor-but-brightmodal

Hear the Dorian Scale

How to Identify It

Sounds minor but slightly brighter — it has a natural 6th rather than a flat 6th. Think of So What by Miles Davis or Scarborough Fair.

Famous Examples

  • So What — Miles Davis
  • Scarborough Fair — traditional
  • Smoke on the Water — Deep Purple
  • Eleanor Rigby — Beatles
Test your earThe recognition trainer plays random scales — identify them with instant feedback.
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Dorian in All 12 Keys

CC#D♭DD#E♭EFF#G♭GG#A♭AA#B♭B

Often Confused With

Natural MinorDiatonicThe darker counterpart to the major scale. Melancholic, intr…Melodic MinorMinor VariantsRaises both the 6th and 7th degrees of natural minor when as…PhrygianModesThe 3rd mode of the major scale. Starts with a half step, gi…LydianModesThe 4th mode of the major scale. Like major but with a raise…

About the Dorian Scale

The dorian scale is a modes scale built from the interval pattern 2, 1, 2, 2, 2, 1, 2 (in whole and half steps). The 2nd mode of the major scale. Minor-sounding but with a raised 6th, giving it a bright, funky quality compared to natural minor.

To recognise the dorian scale reliably by ear, focus on its characteristic mood — funky, soulful, minor-but-bright, modal. Use the player above to hear it in all 12 keys, and the recognition trainer to test yourself against a mixed set of scales.