D Dorian scale on guitar
The D Dorian scale has 7 notes: D, E, F, G, A, B and C. A minor scale with a raised 6th. That one note makes it brighter and jazzier than natural minor; it is common in funk, jazz, rock jams and folk.
Notes in D Dorian
- Formula
- 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 ♭7
- Step pattern
- W – H – W – W – W – H – W
- Notes
- 7
Tap a note to hear it.
D Dorian across the neck
Every D Dorian note on the first 12 frets in standard tuning. Filled dots are the root, D. A good place to start: D on the A string is at fret 5, so play the notes between frets 4 and 8 first, then move up the neck.
Intervals
| Degree | Note | Interval from D |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | D | Root |
| 2 | E | Major 2nd |
| ♭3 | F | Minor 3rd |
| 4 | G | Perfect 4th |
| 5 | A | Perfect 5th |
| 6 | B | Major 6th |
| ♭7 | C | Minor 7th |
Chords in D Dorian
Stack every other note of the scale and you get these triads. Any of them will sound “at home” with the D Dorian scale.
H = half step (1 fret), W = whole step (2 frets). Roman numerals: uppercase is major, lowercase is minor, ° is diminished, + is augmented.
Related scales
Questions
What notes are in the D Dorian scale?
D, E, F, G, A, B, C. Its formula is 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 ♭7.
Where do I start the D Dorian scale on guitar?
D on the A string is at fret 5, so play the notes between frets 4 and 8 first. The fretboard map on this page shows every D Dorian note on the first 12 frets.
What scales are related to D Dorian?
It has the same notes as C major, starting from that scale’s 2nd note.
More scales
Dorian in every key
Other scales from D