C Dorian

CDEbFGABb

Diagrams

Staff Notation

Staff Notation

Piano Keyboard

C Dorian scale – keys C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb highlightedPiano keyboard with keys C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb highlighted. C is the root note.CDFGAEbBb

Guitar Fretboard

Guitar fretboard diagram for C DorianScale positions across frets 0–12 with notes F, G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb.EBGDAE357912

Intervals

DegreeNoteIntervalSemitones
1CP10
2DM22
3Ebm33
4FP45
5GP57
6AM69
7Bbm710

Diatonic Chords in C Dorian

DegreeNumeralChord
1i Cm
2ii Dm
3III Eb
4IV F
5v Gm
6vi° Adim
7VII Bb

About C Dorian

The C Dorian contains 7 notes: C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb. This scale is built by following a specific pattern of intervals from the root note C, which gives it its distinctive sound and character. Understanding the interval structure of a scale is essential for improvisation, composition, and recognizing the scale by ear.

The diatonic chords shown above are the chords that occur naturally within this scale. They are formed by stacking thirds from each degree of the scale, and they form the harmonic foundation for music written in this key. Knowing these chords helps you build chord progressions, understand song harmony, and improvise melodies that fit over each chord. Try the Chord Progression Generator to hear how these chords sound together.