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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