D Dorian Cavaquinho Scale
Cavaquinho scale in Standard tuning — fretboard diagram
D Dorian in Standard — Notes and Intervals
The D Dorian scale is the second mode of the major scale, offering a soulful and sophisticated minor sound. On Cavaquinho, it contains the notes D, E, F, G, A, B, C. 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 D Dorian are Dm7, Em7, FMaj7, G7, Am7, Bm7b5, CMaj7. 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: D, E, F, G, A, B, C
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
Tuning: Standard (D-B-G-D)
Diatonic Chords
Dm7 — Em7 — FMaj7 — G7 — Am7 — Bm7♭5 — CMaj7