F Dorian Mode

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

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

Theoretical Only

The F Dorian Mode is considered theoretical only as it has double sharps or flats in the key signature.

The usual alternative is the enharmonic equivalent E Dorian Mode

Notes Ascending

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

Notes Descending

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

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
F1Tonic
G2Supertonic
A3Mediant
B4Subdominant
C5Dominant
D6Submediant
E7Subtonic
F8Tonic (Octave)

Degrees Descending

NoteNumberName
F8Tonic (Octave)
E7Subtonic
D6Submediant
C5Dominant
B4Subdominant
A3Mediant
G2Supertonic
F1Tonic

Intervals Ascending

NotesSemitonesInterval
F > F0Perfect Unison (P1)
F > G2Major 2nd (M2)
F > A3minor 3rd (m3)
F > B5Perfect 4th (P4)
F > C7Perfect 5th (P5)
F > D9Major 6th (M6)
F > E10minor 7th (m7)
F > F12Perfect Octave (P8)

Intervals Descending

NotesSemitonesInterval
F > F0Perfect Unison (P1)
F > E2Major 2nd (M2)
F > D3minor 3rd (m3)
F > C5Perfect 4th (P4)
F > B7Perfect 5th (P5)
F > A9Major 6th (M6)
F > G10minor 7th (m7)
F > F12Perfect Octave (P8)

Modes related to F Dorian Mode

Enharmonic Equivalent Mode

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

E Dorian Mode

Chords related to F Dorian Mode

Related Triads

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

i Chord - F Minor

ii Chord - G Minor

III Chord - G Major

IV Chord - A Major

v Chord - C Minor

vio Chord - D Diminished

VII Chord - D Major

Learn to Play F Dorian Mode

Instrument View

See F 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.

Learn more about Music Theory

More to learn