C Dorian Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
C Dorian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C Dorian scale is the second mode of the major scale, offering a soulful and sophisticated minor sound. On Piano, it contains the notes C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb. 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 C Dorian are Cm7, Dm7, EbMaj7, F7, Gm7, Am7b5, BbMaj7. 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: C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb
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
Cm7 — Dm7 — E♭Maj7 — F7 — Gm7 — Am7♭5 — B♭Maj7
How to Play C Dorian on Piano
On piano, the C Dorian scale uses 2 black keys. Start with your thumb on C and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The C Dorian scale contains 2 flats (Eb, Bb). Its relative major is Eb major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the C Dorian scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (C-Eb, D-F) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Try these progressions with the C Dorian scale: Cm7 - F7 - Gm7 - Cm7 (I-IV-V-I) or Cm7 - Dm7 - F7 - Gm7 for a more stepwise movement.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the C Dorian scale hands together in contrary motion (one hand ascending, the other descending). This builds independence and strengthens your awareness of the scale's symmetry.
The C Dorian scale contains 7 notes (C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.