fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON FRENCH HORN

F♯ Dorian

Minor with a raised 6th — the wistful folk / modal-jazz mode. So Long, Marianne; Eleanor Rigby; modal jazz on m7 chords.

MEIMIDIHumdrum
Choose a root
Meter:Octave per barCrotchets in 4/4Quavers in 4/4Triplets in 4/4
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 3 title F♯ Dorian
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 2 3 4 5 title F♯ Dorian
Verovio
Tempo120 bpm

Playback sounds a perfect 5th below the written notation — the instrument's concert (sounding) pitch.

Audio source: FluidR3_GM SoundFont (public domain)

FingeringFollows the scale as it plays — written pitch, matches the staff
F♯thumb trigger — B♭ sideT123partial 3right hand rests in the bell — shading pulls sharp notes down; stopping raises the F-side pitch a semitone (finger a half-step low)bellopen
Harmonic seriesTube of the tonic fingering — F♯ sounds partial 3
partial 1 — B1 (+0¢)1partial 2 — B2 (+0¢)2partial 3 — F♯3 (+2¢)3partial 4 — B3 (+0¢)4partial 5 — D♯4 (-14¢)5partial 6 — F♯4 (+2¢)6partial 7 — A4 (-31¢)7-31¢partial 8 — B4 (+0¢)8partial 9 — C♯5 (+4¢)9partial 10 — D♯5 (-14¢)10partial 11 — F5 (-49¢)11-49¢partial 12 — F♯5 (+2¢)12
Related scales
Diatonic chord harmonisation
Same scale, other instruments
Same scale, other tonics
Modes built on this tonic
Compare with
Theory reference
Questions
What notes are in the F♯ Dorian scale?

The F♯ Dorian scale uses the notes F♯, G♯, A, B, C♯, D♯, E (one octave; the pattern repeats at higher registers).

What's the Dorian scale formula?

The Dorian scale follows the interval pattern W H W W W H W, where W = whole step (2 semitones) and H = half step (1 semitone). Apply that pattern starting on F♯ to get the F♯ Dorian scale.

What chords work over F♯ Dorian?

Dorian works over m7 chords and the minor-mode 'modal jazz' II–V–I substitute. Think 'So What' over D Dorian.

How do I finger F♯ Dorian on French Horn?

On brass, scales train embouchure + valve / slide coordination across the partials. Slow practice with a tuner reveals intonation tendencies (e.g., the 5th partial sharp on trumpet).

When would I use the Dorian scale?

Minor with a raised 6th — the wistful folk / modal-jazz mode. So Long, Marianne; Eleanor Rigby; modal jazz on m7 chords.