A Dorian scale

The notes of the A Dorian scale on a piano, the chords that belong to it, and how it sounds. Press play to hear it, tap a key or a chord, and download the scale as MIDI.

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A1B2Cb3D4E5F#6Gb7

Steps: W H W W W H W (W = whole step, H = half step)

Chords in A Dorian

Each chord on its own page: Am · Bm · C · D · Em · F#dim · G

Tap a chord to hear it.

How A Dorian sounds

A minor scale with a raised 6th. Still minor, but warmer and less heavy than natural minor.

Used in: Deep house, funk, soul, jazz and lo-fi.

Same notes, different root: G major, E minor, B Phrygian, C Lydian, D Mixolydian.

For the low end: the root of A Dorian is A and the fifth is E. A kick or 808 tuned to one of them sits with the bass; the kick drum tuning chart has the frequencies.

Write chords in this scale with the chord progression generator, or a melody in the synth.

Other dorian scales

Play this scale with VISIONS OF TOMORROW →71 Serum 2 presets for house and techno: leads, pads, plucks, keys and basses to write in any scale. $29.

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Questions

What notes are in the A Dorian scale?

A, B, C, D, E, F#, G.

What chords are in A Dorian?

Am, Bm, C, D, Em, F#dim, G.

What is the formula for the dorian scale?

1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7, or in steps: W H W W W H W (W is a whole step, H a half step).

Which scales have the same notes as A Dorian?

G major, E minor, B Phrygian, C Lydian, D Mixolydian. They use the same seven notes, starting from a different root.