Guitar scale
D Dorian Guitar Scale
D Dorian is a seven-note mode built from D, E, F, G, A, B, and C. It sounds minor, but the natural sixth gives it a brighter color than natural minor.
- Notes
- DEFGABC
- Formula
- 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7
- Semitones
- 0 2 3 5 7 9 10
- Parent scale
- C major
How to read this scale
The notes are shown as pitch classes first. Square markers represent D root notes in the fretboard view, while circular markers represent the other notes in the scale.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the D roots and the B notes that create the Dorian sound.
Fretboard diagram
Open this scale in the fretboard tool
Start with D Dorian loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboardCommon chords and contexts
- Use D Dorian over Dm7 chords when a minor sound needs a natural 6.
- It is common in funk, jazz, fusion, and minor vamp situations.