fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON TENOR HORN

C Dorian

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

MEIMIDIHumdrum
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Meter:Octave per barCrotchets in 4/4Quavers in 4/4Triplets in 4/4
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 title C Dorian
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 2 3 title C Dorian
Verovio
Tempo120 bpm

Playback sounds a major 6th below the written notation — the instrument's concert (sounding) pitch.

Audio source: synthesised in-browser via Tone.js (MIT)

FingeringFollows the scale as it plays — written pitch, matches the staff
C123partial 2
Harmonic seriesTube of the tonic fingering — C sounds partial 2
partial 1 — C3 (+0¢)1partial 2 — C4 (+0¢)2partial 3 — G4 (+2¢)3partial 4 — C5 (+0¢)4partial 5 — E5 (-14¢)5partial 6 — G5 (+2¢)6partial 7 — A♯5 (-31¢)7-31¢partial 8 — C6 (+0¢)8
Related scales
Diatonic chord harmonisation
Same scale, other instruments
Same scale, other tonics
Modes built on this tonic
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Theory reference
Questions
What notes are in the C Dorian scale?

The C Dorian scale uses the notes C, D, E♭, F, G, A, B♭ (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 C to get the C Dorian scale.

What chords work over C 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 C Dorian on Tenor 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.