A Dorian Scale
The A Dorian scale is the 2nd mode of the G major scale, giving it a distinctive minor sound characterized by its raised 6th degree. This combination of a minor 3rd with a major 6th creates a smooth, versatile quality often heard in jazz, funk, folk, and rock, among other genres.
This page covers everything you need to know about the A Dorian scale: notes, intervals, theory, and how to play it on the piano.
A Dorian Scale Notes
The A Dorian scale contains the following notes:
A – B – C – D – E – F♯ – GThese notes come directly from the G major parent scale, starting on its 2nd degree (A).
A Dorian Piano Diagram
This diagram highlights which keys belong to the A Dorian scale, which is helpful for visualizing whole steps, half steps, and the overall shape of the scale on the keyboard.
A Dorian Scale Formula and Intervals
The interval formula for the Dorian scale is:
W – H – W – W – W – H – WApplied to A, this gives us:
- A → B
- B → C
- C → D
- D → E
- E → F♯
- F♯ → G
- G → A
Thus, A Dorian is built with the following scale degrees:
- Root (A)
- Major 2nd (B)
- Minor 3rd (C)
- Perfect 4th (D)
- Perfect 5th (E)
- Major 6th (F♯)
- Minor 7th (G)
This structure, especially the combination of the minor 3rd with the major 6th, gives the Dorian mode its characteristic quality.
Chords in the Key of A Dorian
When stacking thirds on each scale degree of the A Dorian scale, the following diatonic triads emerge:
- A minor (i)
- B minor (ii)
- C major (III)
- D major (IV)
- E minor (v)
- F♯ diminished (vi°)
- G major (VII)
Related Scales and Modes
If you enjoy playing in A Dorian, you may also like:
- A minor (A Dorian with a flat 6th)
- A Mixolydian (Dorian with a raised 3rd)
- G major (parent scale)
A Dorian Scale FAQs
How is A Dorian different from A major?
A Dorian has a minor 3rd (C) and minor 7th (G), while A major has a major 3rd (C♯) and major 7th (G♯).
How is A Dorian different from A minor?
A Dorian has a major 6th (F♯), while A minor has a minor 6th (F).
What is the parent scale of A Dorian?
G major. A Dorian uses the same notes as G major, but starts on its 2nd degree (A).
Summary: A Dorian Scale
- Notes: A, B, C, D, E, F♯, G
- Mode: 2nd mode of G major
- Formula: W, H, W, W, W, H, W