Interactive piano keyboard showing F Dorian scale degrees. Click highlighted keys to play.
F dorian (F, G, A♭, B♭, C, D, E♭) has three flats in its key signature and a major 6th (D) that lifts its minor tonality with a hopeful brightness. It is used in jazz, film scoring, and dramatic composition where a serious but not despairing mood is needed. F dorian works well over Fm7 progressions in ensemble settings.
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.
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.
The diatonic chords in F Dorian are: Fm, Gm, Ab, Bb, Cm, Ddim, Eb. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Dorian?
F dorian (F, G, A♭, B♭, C, D, E♭) has three flats in its key signature and a major 6th (D) that lifts its minor tonality with a hopeful brightness. It is used in jazz, film scoring, and dramatic composition where a serious but not despairing mood is needed. F dorian works well over Fm7 progressions in ensemble settings.
What notes are in the F Dorian?
The F Dorian contains the notes: F, G, Ab, Bb, C, D, Eb. This is a 7-note scale starting from F.
How many chords does the F Dorian have?
The F Dorian produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Fm, Gm, Ab, Bb, Cm, Ddim, Eb.
What is the formula for the Dorian?
The Dorian follows the interval formula: W-H-W-W-W-H-W (W = whole step, H = half step).
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Position in circle of fifths
F is at the 11 o'clock position. Related keys: C (dominant), Bb (subdominant), D (relative minor), G (supertonic), Eb (subtonic).