C Dorian scale
The C Dorian scale is made of the notes C, D, E♭, F, G, A, B♭. It has 7 notes; compared with the major scale its formula is 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 ♭7.
Modes · 7 notes
- 1C
- 2D
- ♭3E♭
- 4F
- 5G
- 6A
- ♭7B♭
PatternW – H – W – W – W – H – W(W = whole step, H = half step)
The seven scales you get by starting from each degree of the major scale. Degrees are shown relative to the major scale: ♭3 is the third lowered by a half step, ♯4 the fourth raised.
Mode and chords
The second mode of the major: a minor scale with a major 6th, less dark than the natural minor. It is the typical scale for the m7 chord in jazz, funk and rock.
The C Dorian scale is mode 2 of the B♭ major scale: the same notes, starting from degree 2. B♭ major scale →
Put it into practice
The scale played in thirds over one octave: one of the exercises MEG generates from this scale.
Chords built on the scale
Frequently asked questions
- What are the notes of the C Dorian scale?
- The notes are C, D, E♭, F, G, A, B♭.
- What is the pattern of the C Dorian scale?
- The sequence of steps is W – H – W – W – W – H – W (W = whole step, H = half step); compared with the major scale the degrees are 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 ♭7.
- Which scale is the C Dorian scale a mode of?
- It is mode 2 of the B♭ major scale.
- Which chords is the C Dorian scale used over?
- It is used over Cm7, Cm6, Cm9: the chords on the tonic made of the notes of the scale.