C Dorian Ukulele Scale
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagram
C Dorian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C Dorian scale is the second mode of the major scale, offering a soulful and sophisticated minor sound. On Ukulele, it contains the notes C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb. 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 C Dorian are Cm7, Dm7, EbMaj7, F7, Gm7, Am7b5, BbMaj7. 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: C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb
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
Cm7 — Dm7 — E♭Maj7 — F7 — Gm7 — Am7♭5 — B♭Maj7
How to Play C Dorian on Ukulele
On ukulele, find C on the open strings or work through the scale within a four-fret span. You may need to shift positions once to cover all 7 notes. Practice each position separately before linking them together.
The C Dorian scale contains 2 flats (Eb, Bb). Its relative major is Eb major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Practice the C 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 C Dorian scale: Cm7 - F7 - Gm7 - Cm7 (I-IV-V-I) or Cm7 - Dm7 - F7 - Gm7 for a more stepwise movement.
Ukulele Tips
On ukulele, the C Dorian scale sounds particularly charming when played as a melodic pattern over fingerpicked chord shapes. Try integrating scale tones into your strumming patterns for a more sophisticated sound.
The C Dorian scale contains 7 notes (C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for C Dorian
The C Dorian scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore C Dorian Further
- Harmonize the C Dorian scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- C Dorian on Guitar
- C Dorian on Bass
- C Dorian on Piano