C Dorian Scale
The C Dorian scale contains C – D – Eb – F – G – A – Bb. It uses 2 flats: Bb and Eb.
C Dorian scale chart
Sharps and flats
C Dorian has 2 flats: Bb and Eb. Its parent major scale is Bb major, which uses the same notes. See the chords in the key of Bb major.
Scale degrees
| Degree | Note | Semitones from C |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | 0 |
| 2 | D | 2 |
| b3 | Eb | 3 |
| 4 | F | 5 |
| 5 | G | 7 |
| 6 | A | 9 |
| b7 | Bb | 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 C 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 C Dorian.
| Degree | Numeral | Chord | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | i | Cm | C Eb G |
| 2 | ii | Dm | D F A |
| 3 | III | Eb | Eb G Bb |
| 4 | IV | F | F A C |
| 5 | v | Gm | G Bb D |
| 6 | vi° | Adim | A C Eb |
| 7 | VII | Bb | Bb D F |
Other modes on C
More scales on C
Dorian scale in other keys
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the C Dorian scale?
The C Dorian scale contains C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb, then returns to C an octave higher.
How many flats are in C Dorian?
C Dorian has 2 flats: Bb and Eb.
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 C Dorian scale?
The diatonic chords are Cm, Dm, Eb, F, Gm, Adim, Bb. Each is built only from notes of the C Dorian scale, so they all belong to the same tonality — though the diminished chord carries a tritone and normally wants to resolve.