F# Dorian Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramIntermediate
F# Dorian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F# Dorian scale is the second mode of the major scale, offering a soulful and sophisticated minor sound. On Piano, it contains the notes F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#, E. 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 F# Dorian are F#m7, G#m7, AMaj7, B7, C#m7, D#m7b5, EMaj7. 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: F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#, E
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
F♯m7 — G♯m7 — AMaj7 — B7 — C♯m7 — D♯m7♭5 — EMaj7
Musical Character
The natural 6th degree (vs b6 in Aeolian) gives Dorian its signature 'hopeful minor' character — darker than major, but brighter than natural minor.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Funk, Jazz, Fusion, Neo-Soul, Blues
Notable players: Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana, D'Angelo
How to Use the F# Dorian Scale
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.
Origin & Background
Named after the ancient Greek Dorians. Central to modal jazz since Miles Davis's Kind of Blue (1959).
How to Play F# Dorian on Piano
On piano, the F# 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 F# Dorian scale contains 4 sharps (F#, G#, C#, D#). Its relative major is A major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Practice the F# Dorian 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.
Try these progressions with the F# Dorian scale: F#m7 - B7 - C#m7 - F#m7 (I-IV-V-I) or F#m7 - G#m7 - B7 - C#m7 for a more stepwise movement. This scale is especially effective in funk contexts.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the F# 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. Aim for a soulful quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Dorian is the 2nd mode of the Major scale. View F# Major scale
The F# Dorian scale contains 7 notes (F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#, E). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.