C♯ Dorian scale
The C♯ Dorian scale is a 7-note dorian scale built on the root C♯. Its notes are C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G♯, A♯ and B. Minor scale with a bright raised sixth — sophisticated and groove-friendly. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make C♯ Dorian a powerful tool for improvising and composing.
Dorian shows up in jazz standards, modal rock, Celtic folk, hip-hop samples and film scores. Its bright sixth gives a hopeful twist to a minor mood. Built on the root C♯, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key — making it especially useful in genres and registers where C♯ is a comfortable tonal centre.
Formula & step pattern
The C♯ Dorian scale follows a minor scale with a raised sixth degree (W-H-W-W-W-H-W). Step pattern: W - H - W - W - W - H - W. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2M · 3m · 4P · 5P · 6M · 7m. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.
C♯ Dorian on the piano
C♯ Dorian on the guitar
C♯ Dorian on the staff
Hear the C♯ Dorian scale
Notes of the C♯ Dorian scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | C♯(C#) |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | D♯(D#) |
| 3 | 3m | 3 | E |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | F♯(F#) |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | G♯(G#) |
| 6 | 6M | 9 | A♯(A#) |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | B |
Diatonic chords of C♯ Dorian
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
How to use the C♯ Dorian scale
The diatonic chords of C♯ Dorian are: i = C♯m, ii = D♯m, III = E, IV = F♯, v = G♯m, vi° = A♯°, VII = B. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in C♯ Dorian. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
Dorian shows up in jazz standards, modal rock, Celtic folk, hip-hop samples and film scores. Its bright sixth gives a hopeful twist to a minor mood.
Practice tips
Solo over a minor 7 chord using only the dorian notes; the raised sixth makes phrases sound bright without losing the minor character.
Famous songs in this key
C♯ Dorian appears throughout dorian shows up in jazz standards, modal rock, celtic folk, hip-hop samples and film scores. its bright sixth gives a hopeful twist to a minor mood. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Scales related to C♯ Dorian
Once you are comfortable with C♯ Dorian, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with C♯ Dorian and are a natural next step in your study.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the C♯ Dorian scale?
What is the formula for the C♯ Dorian scale?
Is C♯ Dorian a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the C♯ Dorian scale?
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How do I practise the C♯ Dorian scale?
Take C♯ Dorian into your music
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