7-note scale · also called Dorian mode

The Dorian scale on guitar

A minor scale with a bright natural 6th: the sound of funk, jazz-rock and Santana.

Formula

1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 ♭7

Step pattern

W – H – W – W – W – H – W

Sounds

minor but hopeful, cool and funky

Dorian is the second mode of the major scale: play the notes of C major from D to D and you get D Dorian. Its formula is 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 ♭7, a minor scale whose natural 6th lifts the mood.

The giveaway chord change is a minor i chord moving to a major IV (Dm to G in D Dorian). You hear it in “Oye Como Va”, “Moondance” and countless funk grooves and jazz modal tunes like “So What”.

For lead playing, many guitarists use the minor pentatonic and add the 2nd and 6th from Dorian. That gives a richer, jazzier sound than pentatonic alone while staying in familiar shapes.

D Dorian by scale degree

Here is D Dorian across the neck, labelled by scale degree instead of note name. Because guitar shapes are movable, this same pattern works in every key: slide it so the red root lands on the note you want.

Dorian scale in all 12 keys

Pick a key for its notes, chords and fretboard diagrams.

When to use it

Use the Dorian scale over minor 7th chords, one- or two-chord minor vamps (i–IV), funk, jazz, and Santana-style rock.

Practice tip: Dorian is the natural minor with a raised 6th. Over a minor vamp, aim for that 6th: it is the note that makes Dorian sound like Dorian.