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Major Modes

C Dorian

NOTES
C D D♯ F G A A♯ C
SCALE FORMULA
1 – 2 – ♭3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – ♭7
ABOUT THIS SCALE

A minor mode with a natural sixth. Dorian is widely used in rock, funk, jazz and modal improvisation.

GUITAR FRETBOARD

C Dorian

Standard tuning — E A D G B E — open through fret 24.

Scale note Root Click any note to hear it.
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Playback: The scale follows a practical two-octave route across nearby strings and frets. The note currently sounding turns bright white.
JAM OVER THIS

Chord progression ideas

Key of C

Classic Dorian Vamp

i7 – IV7 – i7
Cm7 → F7 → Cm7

The major IV chord emphasizes Dorian's natural sixth, which separates it from natural minor.

Modal Groove

i7 – ♭VII – IV7 – i7
Cm7 → A♯ → F7 → Cm7

A strong funk, rock and modal-jam progression that keeps the Dorian character obvious.