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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