G Dorian
A minor diatonic mode with a major 6th; brighter than natural minor.
Octaves
Musical context
How the scale relates to the chord, mode, key and progression.
Theory
General info
- Name
- G Dorian
- Family
- Diatonic scales
- Note count
- 7
- Step formula
- W – H – W – W – W – H – W
- Numeric formula
- 0-2-1-2-2-2-1-2
Notes & degrees
1Groot
2Amajor 2nd
b3Bbminor 3rd
4Cperfect 4th
5Dperfect 5th
6Emajor 6th
b7Fminor 7th
Construction
- Overview
- A minor diatonic mode with a major 6th; brighter than natural minor.
- Application in music
- Pairs with m6 and m13 chords and is used in modal jazz, funk and fusion.
- Interval formula
- GWAHBbWCWDWEHF
Chords by degree
Tensions & resolutions
Stable degrees
IGpoint of resttonic
IIIBbdefines modal qualitythird
VDsupports the tonic sonorityfifth
Typical resolutions & tensions
IIIBbBb
IVCC
In a dominant context, scale degree 4 normally descends by step to 3.
IGG
IIAA
Scale degree 2 may descend to tonic; the motion is especially close when degree 2 is lowered.
This scale on guitar 🎸
See how G Dorian looks on guitar.
Circle of fifths
The major key on the same tonic and its neighbouring keys on the circle of fifths.
Connections
Practice
Keyboard Trainer
Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.