A Dorian Scale
The A Dorian scale contains A – B – C – D – E – F# – G. It uses 1 sharp: F#.
A Dorian scale chart
Sharps and flats
A Dorian has 1 sharp: F#. Its parent major scale is G major, which uses the same notes. See the chords in the key of G major.
Scale degrees
| Degree | Note | Semitones from A |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | 0 |
| 2 | B | 2 |
| b3 | C | 3 |
| 4 | D | 5 |
| 5 | E | 7 |
| 6 | F# | 9 |
| b7 | G | 10 |
Step pattern
The Dorian scale is built from the pattern W – H – W – W – W – H – W (W = whole step, H = half step). Apply that pattern from any starting note and you get the same mode in a different key.
Chords in A Dorian
Building a triad on each degree of the scale gives you the chords that belong to it. These are the chords to reach for when writing in A Dorian.
Other modes on A
More scales on A
Dorian scale in other keys
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the A Dorian scale?
The A Dorian scale contains A, B, C, D, E, F#, G, then returns to A an octave higher.
How many sharps are in A Dorian?
A Dorian has 1 sharp: F#.
What is the step pattern of the Dorian scale?
The Dorian scale follows the whole/half step pattern W – H – W – W – W – H – W, where W is a whole step (two semitones) and H is a half step (one semitone).
Which chords work with the A Dorian scale?
The diatonic chords are Am, Bm, C, D, Em, F#dim, G. Each is built only from notes of the A Dorian scale, so they all belong to the same tonality — though the diminished chord carries a tritone and normally wants to resolve.