Guitar scale
C Dorian Guitar Scale
C Dorian is a seven-note scale built from C, D, Eb, F, G, A, and Bb. It is the 2nd relative mode of Bb major. Use it to study the scale's notes, interval formula, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Notes
- CDEbFGABb
- Formula
- 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7
- Semitones
- 0 2 3 5 7 9 10
- Parent scale
- Bb major
How to read this scale
The notes are shown as pitch classes first. Square markers represent C root notes in the fretboard view, while circular markers represent the other notes in the scale.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the C root notes and connect the remaining dorian tones across standard tuning.
Fretboard diagram
Open this scale in the fretboard tool
Start with C Dorian loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboardCommon chords and contexts
- Use C Dorian over Cm7 chords when a minor sound needs a natural 6.
- It is common in funk, jazz, fusion, and minor vamp situations.