chromatic scale	R	♭2	2	♭3	3	4	♭5	5	♭6	6	♭7	7
Dorian mode	R		2	♭3		4		5		6	♭7
natural minor scale	R		2	♭3		4		5	♭6		♭7

The Dorian mode is a medieval mode whose half- and whole-step pattern is the same as that of playing D to D on the white keys of a piano (in other words, D to D using the same notes as in the C major scale). It is a sweet-sounding minor scale with a flat seventh. The Dorian mode of a major scale differs by only one note – the raised sixth – from the natural minor scale that has the same root note (see the chart above).

 

For example, the notes of D Dorian are:

 

D E F G A B C D

 

whereas those of D natural minor (the relative minor of F major) are:

 

D E F G A B♭C D

 

In fact, the Dorian mode is often used interchangeably with the natural minor scale at the musician's discretion. A characteristic of tunes in Dorian is frequent use of the IV(major) chord.

 

Familiar music in the Dorian mode includes "Scarborough Fair" and the solo in "Purple Haze" (Jimi Hendrix).

 

Note: The D blues scale, which aligns with the Dorian mode of C major, "works" with the harmonized chords of C major.

 

Other modes

Ionian    Dorian    Phrygian    Lydian    Mixolydian    Aeolian    Locrian