C Dorian Mode on Piano

Here you can learn how to play the Dorian Mode in the key of C on the Piano. As well as the scale notes, degrees and patterns of the C Dorian Mode, where available we also provide suggested Piano fingerings. In the Piano view below, you can display the notes of the C Dorian Mode mapped out onto the Piano keyboard and switch between the notes, degrees, intervals or, if we have them, suggested Piano fingerings.

Theoretical Only

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

The usual alternative is the enharmonic equivalent B Dorian Mode

Notes Ascending

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

Notes Descending

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

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)

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)
Root
Third
Fifth
E
F
B
C
E
F
B
C
D
G
A
D
G
A
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Music Theory

Want to dig deeper and learn about the scale degrees, intervals, relative and parallel keys or see the notation for this scale?

Learn more about C Dorian Mode

Instrument View

See C Dorian Mode on

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 - D Major

IV Chord - F Major

v Chord - G Minor

vio Chord - A Diminished

VII Chord - A Major

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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