C Dorian Scale on Piano
The C Dorian scale contains C, D, E♭, F, G, A and B♭ — 7 notes. Every one is marked across three octaves of the keyboard below, labelled with note names and with interval numbers.
- Root
- Major 2nd
- Minor 3rd
- Perfect 4th
- Perfect 5th
- Major 6th
- Minor 7th
| Degree | 1 | 2 | ♭3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | ♭7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | C | D | E♭ | F | G | A | B♭ |
| Interval | Root | Major 2nd | Minor 3rd | Perfect 4th | Perfect 5th | Major 6th | Minor 7th |
Note names
Interval numbers
Circle of fifths
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the C Dorian scale?
C, D, E♭, F, G, A and B♭. That is 7 notes.
What is the interval pattern of the C Dorian scale?
2-1-2-2-2-1-2, counting in semitones from the root: C to D is 2 semitones, D to E♭ is 1, E♭ to F is 2, F to G is 2, G to A is 2, A to B♭ is 1 and B♭ back up to C is 2.
Which chords go with the C Dorian scale?
The triads built from its own notes: Cm, Dm, E♭, F, Gm, A° and B♭. Those are the chords that will sound consonant over it.
Which major scale is the C Dorian scale a mode of?
B♭ major — C Dorian is its second mode. Both contain the same 7 notes; only the note that feels like home is different.
Which smaller scales fit inside the C Dorian scale?
E♭ Major Pentatonic, C Minor Pentatonic, F Dominant Pentatonic (Mixolydian Pentatonic) and C Minor Sixth Pentatonic. Every note of those is also in the C Dorian scale, so they can be played over it.
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