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C♭ Dorian Scale

The C♭ Dorian scale is the 2nd mode of the B♭♭ 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 C♭ Dorian scale: notes, intervals, theory, and how to play it on the piano.

C♭ Dorian Scale Notes

The C♭ Dorian scale contains the following notes:

C♭ – D♭ – E♭♭ – F♭ – G♭ – A♭ – B♭♭

These notes come directly from the B♭♭ major parent scale, starting on its 2nd degree (C♭).

C♭ Dorian Piano Diagram

This diagram highlights which keys belong to the C♭ Dorian scale, which is helpful for visualizing whole steps, half steps, and the overall shape of the scale on the keyboard.

C♭ Dorian Scale Formula and Intervals

The interval formula for the Dorian scale is:

W – H – W – W – W – H – W

Applied to C♭, this gives us:

Thus, C♭ Dorian is built with the following scale degrees:

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 C♭ Dorian

When stacking thirds on each scale degree of the C♭ Dorian scale, the following diatonic triads emerge:

Related Scales and Modes

If you enjoy playing in C♭ Dorian, you may also like:

C♭ Dorian Scale FAQs

How is C♭ Dorian different from C♭ major?

C♭ Dorian has a minor 3rd (E♭♭) and minor 7th (B♭♭), while C♭ major has a major 3rd (E♭) and major 7th (B♭).

How is C♭ Dorian different from C♭ minor?

C♭ Dorian has a major 6th (A♭), while C♭ minor has a minor 6th (A♭♭).

What is the parent scale of C♭ Dorian?

B♭♭ major. C♭ Dorian uses the same notes as B♭♭ major, but starts on its 2nd degree (C♭).

Summary: C♭ Dorian Scale