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♯♯ – G♯These 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