Piano scale

A Dorian Mode

The A Dorian Mode has 7 notes: A – B – C – D – E – F♯ – G.

A

B

C

D

E

G

A

F♯

Notes of the A Dorian Mode

Degree	Notes	Intervals	Formula
1	A	Root	1
2	B	Major 2nd	2
3	C	Minor 3rd	♭3
4	D	Perfect 4th	4
5	E	Perfect 5th	5
6	F♯	Major 6th	6
7	G	Minor 7th	♭7

W – H – W – W – W – H – W

From the root to the octave the scale moves in this pattern: W – H – W – W – W – H – W.

W = whole step (2 semitones), H = half step (1 semitone), W+H = 3 semitones

Minor with a raised 6th — brighter and more hopeful than natural minor, but still grounded. The scale of jazz improvisation and Celtic folk.

Sound: Cool & modal

Stack every other note of the scale on each degree to get its chords.

Play it over a minor 7th chord when you want a brighter minor colour — the natural 6th is the note that gives Dorian its character.

Play the A Dorian Mode with different sounds in the interactive builder.

If chords sound sour even when you play the right notes, the piano is probably out of tune. Our technicians tune pianos across Israel.