Chords in C Dorian Mode

HopefulJazzyGroovy

Dorian is the go-to mode for jazz, funk, and soul — brighter than natural minor thanks to its raised 6th, but still moody. Miles Davis’s "So What" and Herbie Hancock’s "Maiden Voyage" are built on Dorian harmony. Its diatonic chords include a minor tonic with a major IV, creating the signature Dorian lift.

Transpose to any key, progressions & circle of fifths

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Formula

W-H-W-W-W-H-W

Semitones: 2-1-2-2-2-1-2

Key Signature

EbBb

2 flats

Explore

Dorian Mode in the glossary Key Explorer tool Browse all C chords Chord Flashcards Ear Training Metronome

Characteristic Sound

Dorian differs from natural minor by its major 6th — a single interval that transforms dark melancholy into hopeful brightness. This is why Dorian feels like “minor with optimism,” the go-to mode for jazz, funk, and soul grooves.

Key intervals:6th

Mode Family

Diatonic Mode Family

The seven diatonic modes — parallel modes starting from the same root with different interval patterns. Each mode has a unique character derived from the major scale.

Notes:

CDEbFGABb

Scales with similar note sets — useful for exploring substitutions and modal interchange.

♭6 substitutionNatural Minor Scale (Aeolian)1 note differentMelodic Minor Scale ♭3 substitutionMixolydian Mode 5-note subsetMinor Pentatonic Scale 5 notes sharedBlues Scale

Chromatic Mediant Relationships

Chords a third away from the root — not diatonic to this scale. Common in film scoring and jazz.

M3 ↑

EE Em

M3 ↓

AbAb Abm

Dorian Mode scale FAQ

What chords are in C Dorian Mode?

The diatonic chords in C Dorian Mode are: Cm, Dm, Eb, F, Gm, Adim, Bb. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.

What is the Dorian Mode?

Dorian is a minor mode with a raised 6th degree, making it brighter than natural minor but darker than major. Widely used in jazz, funk, and folk music. Think of "So What" by Miles Davis or "Scarborough Fair."

What notes are in the C Dorian Mode?

The C Dorian Mode contains the notes: C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb. This is a 7-note scale starting from C.

How many chords does the C Dorian Mode have?

The C Dorian Mode produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Cm, Dm, Eb, F, Gm, Adim, Bb.

What is the formula for the Dorian Mode?

The Dorian Mode follows the interval formula: W-H-W-W-W-H-W (W = whole step, H = half step).