F Dorian Scale
The F Dorian scale is the 2nd mode of the E♭ 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 F Dorian scale: notes, intervals, theory, and how to play it on the piano.
F Dorian Scale Notes
The F Dorian scale contains the following notes:
F – G – A♭ – B♭ – C – D – E♭These notes come directly from the E♭ major parent scale, starting on its 2nd degree (F).
F Dorian Piano Diagram
This diagram highlights which keys belong to the F Dorian scale, which is helpful for visualizing whole steps, half steps, and the overall shape of the scale on the keyboard.
F Dorian Scale Formula and Intervals
The interval formula for the Dorian scale is:
W – H – W – W – W – H – WApplied to F, this gives us:
- F → G
- G → A♭
- A♭ → B♭
- B♭ → C
- C → D
- D → E♭
- E♭ → F
Thus, F Dorian is built with the following scale degrees:
- Root (F)
- Major 2nd (G)
- Minor 3rd (A♭)
- Perfect 4th (B♭)
- Perfect 5th (C)
- Major 6th (D)
- Minor 7th (E♭)
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 F Dorian
When stacking thirds on each scale degree of the F Dorian scale, the following diatonic triads emerge:
- F minor (i)
- G minor (ii)
- A♭ major (III)
- B♭ major (IV)
- C minor (v)
- D diminished (vi°)
- E♭ major (VII)
Related Scales and Modes
If you enjoy playing in F Dorian, you may also like:
- F minor (F Dorian with a flat 6th)
- F Mixolydian (Dorian with a raised 3rd)
- E♭ major (parent scale)
F Dorian Scale FAQs
How is F Dorian different from F major?
F Dorian has a minor 3rd (A♭) and minor 7th (E♭), while F major has a major 3rd (A) and major 7th (E).
How is F Dorian different from F minor?
F Dorian has a major 6th (D), while F minor has a minor 6th (D♭).
What is the parent scale of F Dorian?
E♭ major. F Dorian uses the same notes as E♭ major, but starts on its 2nd degree (F).
Summary: F Dorian Scale
- Notes: F, G, A♭, B♭, C, D, E♭
- Mode: 2nd mode of E♭ major
- Formula: W, H, W, W, W, H, W