Dorian mode scale

1. What is a Dorian scale?
2. How do you make a Dorian scale?
3. What scale degree does Dorian start on?
4. Is D Dorian the same as C major?

What is a Dorian scale?

The Dorian scale is a type of minor mode which means that the 3rd note of the scale is lowered by a half step (semitone). It also has a flattened 7th note. Couple that with the major 6th and you have a very interesting scale to play around with.

How do you make a Dorian scale?

To write Dorian mode in a given key, take the third and seventh degrees of the corresponding major scale in that key, and lower them. Try this: use the A♭ major scale to write out the Dorian mode in A♭.

What scale degree does Dorian start on?

The dorian mode always starts on note D(when not transposed to another key). Since this mode begins with note D, it is certain that notes 1 and 13 will be used in this mode. Note 1 is the tonic note - the starting note - D, and note 13 is the same note name but one octave higher.

Is D Dorian the same as C major?

The Dorian modes are comparable to the Major scales – D Dorian, for example, includes exactly the same notes as C Major. The difference is that is D Dorian starts on another step in the scale, the D note (see picture below).