Dorian Mode

The Dorian Mode has a minor quality due to its minor Third E. The Dorian Mode, like Dorian, is one of seven diatonic modes originally formed using just the natural notes (think just the white keys on a piano) but starting on a particular note, D in the case of the Dorian Mode, which creates a unique sequence of intervals. This mode can then be transposed to any key such as Dorian Mode in this example. Dorian Mode is classified as a heptatonic scale as it has seven notes, C, D, E, F, G, A, B. The Dorian Mode is also known as a diatonic scale which conforms to specific rules.

Below you will find the Dorian Mode notes, notation, patterns, degrees, intervals and more. You can also opt to see the Dorian Mode on your preferred instrument.

Notes Ascending

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

Notes Descending

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

Notation Ascending

Notation Descending

Pattern Ascending

T, S, T, T, T, S, T

S = Semitone, T = Tone (2 Semitones)

Pattern Descending

T, S, T, T, T, S, T

S = Semitone, T = Tone (2 Semitones)

Degrees Ascending

NoteNumberName
C1Tonic
D2Supertonic
E3Mediant
F4Subdominant
G5Dominant
A6Submediant
B7Subtonic
C8Tonic (Octave)

Degrees Descending

NoteNumberName
C8Tonic (Octave)
B7Subtonic
A6Submediant
G5Dominant
F4Subdominant
E3Mediant
D2Supertonic
C1Tonic

Intervals Ascending

NotesSemitonesInterval
C > C0Perfect Unison (P1)
C > D2Major 2nd (M2)
C > E3minor 3rd (m3)
C > F5Perfect 4th (P4)
C > G7Perfect 5th (P5)
C > A9Major 6th (M6)
C > B10minor 7th (m7)
C > C12Perfect Octave (P8)

Intervals Descending

NotesSemitonesInterval
C > C0Perfect Unison (P1)
C > B2Major 2nd (M2)
C > A3minor 3rd (m3)
C > G5Perfect 4th (P4)
C > F7Perfect 5th (P5)
C > E9Major 6th (M6)
C > D10minor 7th (m7)
C > C12Perfect Octave (P8)

Modes related to C Dorian Mode

Enharmonic Equivalent Mode

Scale with the same root and notes as the C Dorian Mode but different spelling.

B♯ Dorian Mode

Chords related to C Dorian Mode

Related Triads

These chords have been built using the notes of the C Dorian Mode. The chords are in degree order and shown in Roman numerals (lowercase = minor/diminished, uppercase = Major/Augmented).

i Chord - C Minor

ii Chord - D Minor

III Chord - E Major

IV Chord - F Major

v Chord - G Minor

vio Chord - A Diminished

VII Chord - B Major

Learn to Play Dorian Mode

Instrument View

See C Dorian Mode on

If you want to learn what scales and modes are and much more, check out our free Fundamentals of Music Theory course. If you already know some of the basics, you can jump straight into the scales lesson.

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