D Dorian #4 Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
D Dorian #4 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D Dorian #4 scale, known in Eastern Europe as the Ukrainian Dorian or Misheberak, has a deeply soulful, crying quality. On Piano, the notes are D, E, F, G#, A, B, C. It is a pillar of Jewish Klezmer music and traditional Balkan folk songs. Commonly used in Klezmer, Balkan Folk, Metal, Film Scores. Notable players include Itzhak Perlman, Bregovic, System of a Down. Use over m7 chords in Klezmer and Balkan contexts. The #4 adds the exotic 'weeping' quality that defines these traditions.
Notes: D, E, F, G#, A, B, C
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4A, 5P, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 b3 #4 5 6 b7
Formula: W-H-WH-H-W-H-W
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: ukrainian dorian, romanian minor, altered dorian
How to Play D Dorian #4 on Piano
On piano, the D Dorian #4 scale uses 1 black key. Start with your thumb on D and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The D Dorian #4 scale contains 1 sharp (G#). Its relative major is F major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Practice the D Dorian #4 scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 7 notes of the scale.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on D to let the characteristic intervals of the Dorian #4 scale come through clearly.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the D Dorian #4 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 D Dorian #4 scale contains 7 notes (D, E, F, G#, A, B, C). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.