ScalesC Dorian
Guitar scale · fretboard map
C Dorian Scale
The C Dorian scale is built from the notes C, D, Eb, F, G, A, and Bb, also known as the Dorian mode. The diagram below maps every one of those notes across the guitar neck, from the open strings up to the 12th fret, with the root C highlighted.
The dorian scale is a minor scale with a raised sixth: less dark than natural minor, and a staple of funk, jazz, and modal rock.
Notes in the C Dorian scale
C1
D2
Ebb3
F4
G5
A6
Bbb7
C Dorian scale on the fretboard
root (C) other scale notes
Explore this on the interactive fretboard →
The free Fretboard Explorer lets you switch keys and see the CAGED shapes and scale overlays tile the whole neck.
Other scales in C
C MajorC Natural MinorC Major PentatonicC Minor PentatonicC BluesC PhrygianC LydianC MixolydianC Harmonic Minor
The dorian scale in other keys
Frequently asked questions
- What notes are in the C Dorian scale?
- The C Dorian scale contains 7 notes: C, D, Eb, F, G, A, and Bb. As scale degrees those are 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, 6, b7.
- How do you play the C Dorian scale on guitar?
- Every note above is shown on the fretboard diagram, from the open strings up to the 12th fret, with the root (C) highlighted. The pattern is movable: learn the shape once and you can slide it to start on any root. Anchor your playing to the C notes so the scale sounds resolved.
- What is the C Dorian scale used for?
- The dorian scale is a minor scale with a raised sixth: less dark than natural minor, and a staple of funk, jazz, and modal rock. Once the shape is under your fingers, try improvising over a backing track in C and listen for how each note pulls back toward the root.