D Dorian scale on piano
The D Dorian scale on piano has 7 notes: D, E, F, G, A, B, and C (D, E, F, G, A, B, C). It uses only white keys.
- D 1
- E 2
- F ♭3
- G 4
- A 5
- B 6
- C ♭7
The highlighted keys are the notes of the scale, with the name and the degree; the tonic (D) 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 D 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
- D
- W
- E
- H
- F
- W
- G
- W
- A
- W
- B
- H
- C
- W
- D
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 | Dm | Dm7 |
| IIm | Em | Em7 |
| III | F | F7M |
| IV | G | G7 |
| Vm | Am | Am7 |
| VI° | B° | Bm7(b5) |
| VII | C | C7M |
Arpeggios of these chords on piano
Scales with the same notes
More D 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 D Dorian scale?
The notes of the D Dorian scale are D, E, F, G, A, B, and C. It uses only white keys.
What is the formula of the D 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 D Dorian scale?
The chords of the key are Dm, Em, F, G, Am, B°, C. Tap each one to see it on the keyboard.