D Dorian scale

The notes of the D 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.

Free
No account
Runs in your browser
All twelve keys
MIDI download

D1E2Fb3G4A5B6Cb7

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

Chords in D Dorian

Each chord on its own page: Dm · Em · F · G · Am · Bdim · C

Tap a chord to hear it.

How D 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: C major, A minor, E Phrygian, F Lydian, G Mixolydian.

For the low end: the root of D Dorian is D and the fifth is A. 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.

Or start with the free pack: 24 sounds from all three packs, and a 25% code for the full packs a few days later.

Questions

What notes are in the D Dorian scale?

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

What chords are in D Dorian?

Dm, Em, F, G, Am, Bdim, C.

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 D Dorian?

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