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#, E, F#, G#, A#, B. 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 C#m7, D#m7, EMaj7, F#7, G#m7, A#m7b5, BMaj7. 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#, E, F#, G#, A#, B
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
C♯m7 — D♯m7 — EMaj7 — F♯7 — G♯m7 — A♯m7♭5 — BMaj7
How to Play C# Dorian on Piano
On piano, the C# Dorian scale uses 5 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 C# Dorian scale contains 5 sharps (C#, D#, F#, G#, A#). Its relative major is E 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#-E, 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: C#m7 - F#7 - G#m7 - C#m7 (I-IV-V-I) or C#m7 - D#m7 - F#7 - G#m7 for a more stepwise movement.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the C# 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 C# Dorian scale contains 7 notes (C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A#, B). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.