A Dorian scale on piano
The A Dorian scale on piano has 7 notes: A, B, C, D, E, F sharp, and G (A, B, C, D, E, F♯, G). It uses 1 black key: F♯.
- A 1
- B 2
- C ♭3
- D 4
- E 5
- F♯ F sharp 6
- G ♭7
The highlighted keys are the notes of the scale, with the name and the degree; the tonic (A) has the strongest color. Tap a key to hear the note; "Play" goes up and down. The small dot marks middle C (C4).
Fingering for the A Dorian scale
This scale has no single fingering in piano method books. A rule that works: never put the thumb on a black key, and pass the thumb right after a black key. Fingers: 1 = thumb, 2 = index, 3 = middle, 4 = ring, 5 = little finger.
Formula
- A
- W
- B
- H
- C
- W
- D
- W
- E
- W
- F♯
- H
- G
- W
- A
Degrees: 1 · 2 · ♭3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · ♭7. Steps: W – H – W – W – W – H – W (W = whole step, H = half step).
About the Dorian scale
A minor mode with a major 6th. A "groovy" minor sound, common in funk, jazz and rock (Santana).
Harmonized scale (chords in the key)
The chords that come from the scale, stacking thirds from each note.
| Degree | Triad | Seventh chord |
|---|---|---|
| Im | Am | Am7 |
| IIm | Bm | Bm7 |
| III | C | C7M |
| IV | D | D7 |
| Vm | Em | Em7 |
| VI° | F♯° | F♯m7(b5) |
| VII | G | G7M |
Arpeggios of these chords on piano
Scales with the same notes
More A scales
- Major
- Natural minor
- Harmonic minor
- Melodic minor
- Major pentatonic
- Minor pentatonic
- Blues
- Major blues
- Dorian
- Phrygian
- Lydian
- Mixolydian
- Locrian
- Nordestina (Brazilian baião)
- Phrygian dominant
- Whole-tone
- Diminished (whole-half)
- Dominant diminished (half-whole)
Dorian in other keys
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of the A Dorian scale?
The notes of the A Dorian scale are A, B, C, D, E, F sharp, and G. It uses 1 black key: F♯.
What is the formula of the A Dorian scale?
In degrees: 1 · 2 · ♭3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · ♭7. In steps between notes: W – H – W – W – W – H – W (W = whole step, H = half step).
Which chords go with the A Dorian scale?
The chords of the key are Am, Bm, C, D, Em, F♯°, G. Tap each one to see it on the keyboard.