D Dorian Mode

The D Dorian Mode has a minor quality due to its minor Third F. The Dorian Mode, like D 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 D Dorian Mode in this example. D Dorian Mode is classified as a heptatonic scale as it has seven notes, D, E, F, G, A, B, C. The D Dorian Mode is also known as a diatonic scale which conforms to specific rules.

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

Notes Ascending

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

Notes Descending

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

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
D1Tonic
E2Supertonic
F3Mediant
G4Subdominant
A5Dominant
B6Submediant
C7Subtonic
D8Tonic (Octave)

Degrees Descending

NoteNumberName
D8Tonic (Octave)
C7Subtonic
B6Submediant
A5Dominant
G4Subdominant
F3Mediant
E2Supertonic
D1Tonic

Intervals Ascending

NotesSemitonesInterval
D > D0Perfect Unison (P1)
D > E2Major 2nd (M2)
D > F3minor 3rd (m3)
D > G5Perfect 4th (P4)
D > A7Perfect 5th (P5)
D > B9Major 6th (M6)
D > C10minor 7th (m7)
D > D12Perfect Octave (P8)

Intervals Descending

NotesSemitonesInterval
D > D0Perfect Unison (P1)
D > C2Major 2nd (M2)
D > B3minor 3rd (m3)
D > A5Perfect 4th (P4)
D > G7Perfect 5th (P5)
D > F9Major 6th (M6)
D > E10minor 7th (m7)
D > D12Perfect Octave (P8)

Modes related to D Dorian Mode

Enharmonic Equivalent Mode

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

C♯ Dorian Mode

Chords related to D Dorian Mode

Related Triads

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

i Chord - D Minor

ii Chord - E Minor

III Chord - F Major

IV Chord - G Major

v Chord - A Minor

vio Chord - B Diminished

VII Chord - C Major

Learn to Play D Dorian Mode

Instrument View

See D 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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