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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