Scale Detail
A Dorian — A A Dorian
The A Dorian scale is the second mode of the major scale — a minor scale with a raised sixth. Often described as the "happiest" of the minor modes, it has a funky, soulful quality used extensively in jazz, modal music, neo-soul, and funk.
Formula: W – H – W – W – W – H – W
Dark but not oppressive — funky, soulful, versatile, and modern. The "cool" minor mode.
The Dorian mode is the second mode of the major scale, starting on the second degree. Its formula W–H–W–W–W–H–W produces a scale that is mostly minor (with a minor third and minor seventh) but with a raised sixth (one semitone higher than natural minor). Starting on A, this gives A, B, C, D, E, F#, G. The raised sixth is what separates Dorian from Aeolian (natural minor) and is responsible for its characteristic "cool" and soulful quality. The Dorian mode became famous in jazz through Miles Davis's "Kind of Blue" (1959), where the compositions were built entirely on Dorian and Mixolydian modes. The IV chord in Dorian is a major chord (not minor as in natural minor), giving it a bright moment within a generally dark scale. This IV major chord is essential to Dorian's funky, versatile quality.
Dorian is a natural minor scale with a raised 6th degree, giving it a sophisticated, slightly bittersweet quality. It sits between the brightness of major and the darkness of natural minor — which is why it's beloved in jazz, soul, and modal rock.
✨ Other dreamy sounds to explore
Chords that naturally occur in the A Dorian Scale:
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