D Romanian minor

Dorian with a raised 4th; the augmented 2nd between degrees 3 and 4 adds tension.

Octaves

Musical context

How the scale relates to the chord, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Name
D Romanian minor
Family
Exotic scales
Note count
7
Step formula
W – H – W+H – H – W – H – W
Numeric formula
0-2-1-3-1-2-1-2

Notes & degrees

1Droot
2Emajor 2nd
b3Fminor 3rd
#4G#aug 4th
5Aperfect 5th
6Bmajor 6th
b7Cminor 7th

Construction

Overview
Dorian with a raised 4th; the augmented 2nd between degrees 3 and 4 adds tension.
Application in music
Pairs with a minor tonic and has the same pitch collection as Ukrainian Dorian.
Interval formula
D
W
E
H
F
WH
G#
H
A
W
B
H
C

Chords by degree

Tensions & resolutions

Stable degrees

IDpoint of resttonic
IIIFdefines modal qualitythird
VAsupports the tonic sonorityfifth

Typical resolutions & tensions

IDD
IIEE
Scale degree 2 may descend to tonic; the motion is especially close when degree 2 is lowered.

This scale on guitar 🎸

See how D Romanian minor looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

The major key on the same tonic and its neighbouring keys on the circle of fifths.

CAmGEmDBmAF#mEC#mBG#mF#D#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmDmajor
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
2 sharps (F#, C#)

Connections

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

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Frequently Asked Questions