What notes are in the A Dorian scale?

A, B, C, D, E, F♯ and G, and then A again an octave higher.

What is the pattern of the A Dorian scale?

W – H – W – W – W – H – W. W = whole step (two keys), H = half step (the very next key). The same pattern gives you the Dorian scale on any starting note.

Which major scale has the same notes as A Dorian?

G major. A Dorian uses its notes but treats A as home, which gives it a different sound.

Scale

A Dorian scale

The A Dorian scale has 7 notes: A, B, C, D, E, F♯ and G.

Notes: A · B · C · D · E · F♯ · G
Step pattern: W – H – W – W – W – H – W

W = whole step (two keys), H = half step (the very next key).

Play it yourself

Play the scale going up: start on A and tap each note in order.

A
B
C
D
E
F♯
G

0 of 7 notes

Dorian is a minor mode with a raised 6th. That brighter 6th makes it sound minor but hopeful, and it is all over funk, soul, jazz and songs like "So What".

Chords in A Dorian

Build a chord on each note of the scale using only notes from the scale, and you get these seven. The Roman numeral shows the step it is built on: upper case for major, lower case for minor.

i · Am
ii · Bm
III · C
IV · D
v · Em
vi° · F♯dim
VII · G