C Dorian scale

The C Dorian scale has the notes C D E♭ F G A B♭. Its formula is 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7. It is mode 2 of the B♭ major scale: the same notes, starting on C. Key signature: 2 flats (E♭ B♭).

It can also be written as B♯; we use the spelling with fewer accidentals.

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Scale notes

Degree	Formula	Note
I	1	C tonic
II	2	D
III	b3	E♭
IV	4	F
V	5	G
VI	6	A
VII	b7	B♭

Chords of the scale

Symbol	Chord	Notes	Chord-scale	Tensions	Avoid
Im7 modal center	Cm7	C E♭ G B♭	Dorian C	9 (D), 11 (F), 13 (A)	–
IIm7	Dm7	D F A C	Phrygian D	11 (G)	b9 (E♭), b13 (B♭)
bIIIMaj7	E♭Maj7	E♭ G B♭ D	Lydian E♭	9 (F), #11 (A), 13 (C)	–
IV7 characteristic	F7	F A C E♭	Mixolydian F	9 (G), 13 (D)	11 (B♭)
Vm7	Gm7	G B♭ D F	Aeolian G	9 (A), 11 (C)	b13 (E♭)
VIø	Aø	A C E♭ G	Locrian A	11 (D), b13 (F)	b9 (B♭)
bVIIMaj7 characteristic	B♭Maj7	B♭ D F A	Ionian B♭	9 (C), 13 (G)	11 (E♭)

Character and characteristic note

The Dorian mode is the second mode of the major scale. It is a minor scale (it has a minor third) with a major sixth, which gives it a more open, hopeful color than natural minor. It is common in modal jazz and funk.

Effect: hopeful, soft, cool.
Characteristic note: major 6th.
Characteristic chords: IV7 (F7), bVIIMaj7 (B♭Maj7).

How to use it

Center Im7. Alternate with the characteristic chords IV7 (the strongest, a plagal root) and bVIIMaj7, and return to Im7 quickly. The melody keeps coming back to 1 or 5, contrasted with the 6. No dominants resolving down a fifth, slow harmonic rhythm.

Watch out for

bVIIMaj7 or Vm7 without an immediate return to Im7 risk modulating.
Im7 IV7 bVIIMaj7 tonicizes the Ionian of bVII.

Examples

Footprints
So What
Impressions
Milestones

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the C Dorian scale?

C D E♭ F G A B♭. 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7.

What chords can you build on the C Dorian scale?

The seventh chords on each degree are Im7 = Cm7, IIm7 = Dm7, bIIIMaj7 = E♭Maj7, IV7 = F7, Vm7 = Gm7, VIø = Aø, bVIIMaj7 = B♭Maj7.