A# Dorian Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
A# Dorian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A# Dorian scale is the second mode of the major scale, offering a soulful and sophisticated minor sound. On Piano, it contains the notes A#, C, C#, D#, F, G, G#. Because it features a major sixth, it sounds brighter and more hopeful than the natural minor. It is the go-to scale for jazz, funk, and modal blues. The diatonic chords of A# Dorian are A#m7, Cm7, C#Maj7, D#7, Fm7, Gm7b5, G#Maj7. Commonly used in Funk, Jazz, Fusion, Neo-Soul, Blues. Notable players include Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana, D'Angelo. Use over m7, m9, m11, m13 chords. The go-to scale for any minor chord in funk, jazz, and soul. Works especially well over long minor vamps.
Notes: A#, C, C#, D#, F, G, G#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Formula: W-H-W-W-W-H-W
Number of notes: 7
Diatonic Chords
A♯m7 — Cm7 — C♯Maj7 — D♯7 — Fm7 — Gm7♭5 — G♯Maj7
How to Play A# Dorian on Piano
On piano, the A# Dorian scale uses 4 black keys. With several black keys involved, let the thumb naturally fall on white keys where possible. Practice hands separately at first, paying attention to smooth thumb-under transitions.
The A# Dorian scale contains 4 sharps (A#, C#, D#, G#). Its relative major is C# major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the A# Dorian scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (A#-C#, C-D#) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Try these progressions with the A# Dorian scale: A#m7 - D#7 - Fm7 - A#m7 (I-IV-V-I) or A#m7 - Cm7 - D#7 - Fm7 for a more stepwise movement.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the A# Dorian scale in the left hand as blocked intervals (thirds or sixths) while the right hand plays the melody. This develops your harmonic ear and comping skills simultaneously.
The A# Dorian scale contains 7 notes (A#, C, C#, D#, F, G, G#). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.