G# Dorian Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
G# Dorian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G# Dorian scale is the second mode of the major scale, offering a soulful and sophisticated minor sound. On Piano, it contains the notes G#, A#, B, C#, D#, F, F#. 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 G# Dorian are G#m7, A#m7, BMaj7, C#7, D#m7, Fm7b5, F#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: G#, A#, B, C#, D#, F, F#
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
G♯m7 — A♯m7 — BMaj7 — C♯7 — D♯m7 — Fm7♭5 — F♯Maj7
How to Play G# Dorian on Piano
On piano, the G# 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 G# Dorian scale contains 5 sharps (G#, A#, C#, D#, F#). Its relative major is B major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the G# Dorian scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Try these progressions with the G# Dorian scale: G#m7 - C#7 - D#m7 - G#m7 (I-IV-V-I) or G#m7 - A#m7 - C#7 - D#m7 for a more stepwise movement.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the G# 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 G# Dorian scale contains 7 notes (G#, A#, B, C#, D#, F, F#). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.