C# Dorian #4 Mandolin Scale — Standard
Mandolin scale in Standard tuning — fretboard diagram
C# Dorian #4 in Standard — Notes and Intervals
The C# Dorian #4 scale, known in Eastern Europe as the Ukrainian Dorian or Misheberak, has a deeply soulful, crying quality. On Mandolin, the notes are C#, D#, E, G, G#, A#, B. 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: C#, D#, E, G, G#, A#, B
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
Tuning: Standard (G-D-A-E)
Also known as: ukrainian dorian, romanian minor, altered dorian
About Standard Tuning
The mandolin is tuned in fifths — G-D-A-E from low to high — the same intervals as a violin. This tuning gives the mandolin its distinctive bright, penetrating tone that cuts through any ensemble. With only four courses of doubled strings and 20 frets, the mandolin rewards precise melodic playing and rapid tremolo picking.
From Bill Monroe's invention of bluegrass to Chris Thile's genre-defying virtuosity with Punch Brothers, the mandolin has proven itself far beyond its folk roots. Its fifths tuning makes it a natural partner for fiddle players, and its compact fretboard encourages creative chord voicings and rapid scale runs that are impossible on guitar. The mandolin is also central to Italian classical music, Brazilian choro, and Irish traditional music.
Notable artists: Bill Monroe, Chris Thile, David Grisman, Sam Bush, Sierra Hull
Best for: Bluegrass leads, Celtic melodies, tremolo picking, and any ensemble that needs a bright, cutting melodic voice