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