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G♭ Dorian Scale

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

G♭ Dorian Scale Notes

The G♭ Dorian scale contains the following notes:

G♭ – A♭ – B♭♭ – C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F♭

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

G♭ Dorian Piano Diagram

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

G♭ Dorian Scale Formula and Intervals

The interval formula for the Dorian scale is:

W – H – W – W – W – H – W

Applied to G♭, this gives us:

Thus, G♭ 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 G♭ Dorian

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

Related Scales and Modes

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

G♭ Dorian Scale FAQs

How is G♭ Dorian different from G♭ major?

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

How is G♭ Dorian different from G♭ minor?

G♭ Dorian has a major 6th (E♭), while G♭ minor has a minor 6th (E♭♭).

What is the parent scale of G♭ Dorian?

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

Summary: G♭ Dorian Scale