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D♭ Dorian Scale

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

D♭ Dorian Scale Notes

The D♭ Dorian scale contains the following notes:

D♭ – E♭ – F♭ – G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C♭

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

D♭ Dorian Piano Diagram

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

D♭ Dorian Scale Formula and Intervals

The interval formula for the Dorian scale is:

W – H – W – W – W – H – W

Applied to D♭, this gives us:

Thus, D♭ 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 D♭ Dorian

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

Related Scales and Modes

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

D♭ Dorian Scale FAQs

How is D♭ Dorian different from D♭ major?

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

How is D♭ Dorian different from D♭ minor?

D♭ Dorian has a major 6th (B♭), while D♭ minor has a minor 6th (B♭♭).

What is the parent scale of D♭ Dorian?

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

Summary: D♭ Dorian Scale