D Dorian Scale
The D Dorian scale contains D – E – F – G – A – B – C. It uses no sharps or flats.
D Dorian scale chart
Sharps and flats
D Dorian has no sharps or flats. Its parent major scale is C major, which uses the same notes. See the chords in the key of C major.
Scale degrees
| Degree | Note | Semitones from D |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | D | 0 |
| 2 | E | 2 |
| b3 | F | 3 |
| 4 | G | 5 |
| 5 | A | 7 |
| 6 | B | 9 |
| b7 | C | 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 D 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 D Dorian.
Other modes on D
More scales on D
Dorian scale in other keys
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the D Dorian scale?
The D Dorian scale contains D, E, F, G, A, B, C, then returns to D an octave higher.
How many sharps or flats are in D Dorian?
D Dorian has no sharps or flats.
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 D Dorian scale?
The diatonic chords are Dm, Em, F, G, Am, Bdim, C. Each is built only from notes of the D Dorian scale, so they all belong to the same tonality — though the diminished chord carries a tritone and normally wants to resolve.